As the Women’s Association’s first ever postgraduate and mature student representative, taking on a newly formed position such as fulltime Postgraduate Officer holds no fear for me. Instead this is a brilliant opportunity to take what I have learnt as PGMS rep to the next level, and to support a much wider range of Postgraduate students.
Coming from a relatively small university (with an even smaller Students’ Union), I have been amazed by the Guild’s sheer scope; the opportunities that it offers; as well as all of the talented people who work so hard for it, both voluntarily and otherwise. Arriving in September as a rather dazed and clueless MA World Heritage student, I recognised the chances that the Guild offered and grabbed them with both hands to become a proactive and enthusiastic member of this wonderful community. So far I created the Women’s Association Mixer for Postgraduate and Undergraduate students to build informal but vastly important support networks, as well as leading the Postgraduate and Mature Feminist tea and coffee event, with much more planned as 2016 continues.
With a background in the study of world religions and from my work within the liberation associations, I understand the importance of listening to voices from all genders, ethnicities and beliefs, not to mention recognising the myriad of other factors that influence postgraduate students. These need to be understood before a successful system of representation and support can be put in place. One size does not fit all. To do this, it is vital that strong links and relationships need to be built throughout the university community.
Furthermore, a recent UNESCO report reveal a worrying trend in postgraduate education in which women, although forming the majority for master level degrees, are in the minority for PhDs and research positions. This of course has huge implications for the research that is created and disseminated in that the female perception is largely omitted. Again, a robust and informed system of support is required to understand why women choose to (or not to) take their education further, and to provide a foundation that will allow them to make a free and informed decision on this.
Being PGMS representative for Women’s Association has been the most rewarding role I have ever taken on. And it is this ability to represent and help people that I wish to continue as Postgraduate Officer next year.