Women's Officer

Sylvia - Women's Officer

Hi all, I'm Sylvia Barnett your Women's Officer, elected by and for women students. You can find me in the Exec office on the ground floor of South campus Student Union. I am responsible for the welfare and representation of women students in the University and for running the women's campaign.

This year there are a number of issues I want to focus on:

Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment:  The NUS 'Hidden Marks' report shows that 1 in 7 women students are victim to serious physical or sexual   assault during their time at university. See the report here

Women's Safety: I want to combat the culture of victim-blaming, that is, the idea that the person subjected to physical or sexual assault or harassment is to blame for the abuse they receive.  To claim that harassment and assault are caused by the victim dressing in a 'provocative' way, or being intoxicated, or walking home alone, etc., is to completely misconstrue the problem, and to add feelings of guilt to the complex emotions the person will be feeling after an assault.  However, I also recognise that we exist in a culture where women are still not safe to go out alone at night.  Therefore I want to work towards the introduction of a night cafe in Fallowfield, to provide students with a safe-space at night, with information, support, and taxi numbers. 

Reproductive freedoms:  This is particularly relevant in light of the government's plans to reform the way abortion advice is offered, which may potentially lead to anti-abortion and pro-life groups gaining power over the individual's decision as to whether or not to have an abortion.  I will run pro-choice events and discussions to highlight the importance of a woman's autonomy over her own body, and support national campaigns to persuade the government to rethink its strategy.

 I also want to work hard to diversify the women's campaign so any ideas, comments or problems you have please come share them. I want to make our women's movement more inclusive and open to all women.  My office can be made in to a women only space at your request and also has tea and coffee as well as lots of children's games and books. So pop by any time for a chat, and some advice or just to use it as a chill out space.

Take care

Sylvia

Email: womens@umsu.manchester.ac.uk
Tel : 07787422509
Visit : The Women's Officer in the Exec office on the ground floor Students' Union

To find out more about the role of women's officer click here