Just two people are going head to head for the role of Women’s Officer in 2008/9. Here’s a quick summary of what they want to do for you:
Fiona Edwards is “standing to guarantee women a proper say in our Union and University life and to improve the Union for all students.” She wants active, high-profile campaigns for equality with a view to ending the 15% pay gap for women graduates, strengthening women’s representation and demanding an end to violence against women. Furthermore, she wants more equality within the university. Fiona wants to make sure women’s safety is not compromised, providing free safety alarms and self-defence classes, making the women’s safety bus more accessible, improving security around halls and she will push for better street lighting. She also plans to revolutionise the Students Union, making it all-inclusive, ethical and environmentally friendly. Fiona is ready and raring for the position, after being a Union Council Women’s Rep, a Women’s Committee Chair and an NUS Women’s Conference delegate. She is also a pro-choice campaigner, Co-Chair Ethical & Environmental Committee and she has been active in the People & Planet, Student Assembly Against Racism & Peace Campaigns.
Elizabeth Kamunge wants to celebrate “the diversity of ages, life-stages, races, and cultures” within our female students and plans to do so through drama, art & photography competitions, music and the spoken word. She wants to make us all aware of those important issues by introducing a lecture series featuring high profile speakers on thought-provoking debates and relevant issues. Lobbying to close the pay gap between male and female graduates and promoting female participation in local communities are on Elizabeth’s agenda, as well as introducing “an open-door office policy”, with drop in sessions. She also wants to introduce ‘Heroine of the month’ to award those who daily make our Uni a better place. Elizabeth feels her previous experience equips her with the necessary skills for the role, including being a delegate at 7th Session of UN Human rights council in Geneva, Vice- Chair of Sharrowvale Residents Association and General Secretary of the East African Society.
Don’t forget to vote for your choice, starting on Tuesday 14th April http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/student-voice/elections08/candidates.php.
