Reflecting on my first term as the Equity and Inclusion Officer
As my first term as Equity and Inclusion Officer comes to an end, I am taking a moment to reflect on the progress, challenges, and highlights of these past months. From Welcome Week to the Winter Festival, the absolute favourite part of my job has been talking to you at Students' Union events, and hearing about your needs, concerns, and feedback regarding the EDI space and beyond. It has been an honour to advocate for inclusivity and equity at UCL, and while the journey is ongoing, this term has laid the foundation for meaningful change.
Art as a Tool for Liberation
One of my most fulfilling projects has been working on the launch of the Liberate Art Gallery. The idea of creating a platform where marginalised students could share their art has felt urgent, and this term, in collaboration with artsUCL and commercial teams, it is becoming a reality. Situated in Phineas, our indie art gallery will give underrepresented voices the spotlight they deserve. We introduced the initiative during Black History Month with the support of the POC Network. The gallery will soon become a celebration of culture, creativity, and resilience. This project epitomises what I strive to achieve in this role: creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
Transforming UCL East
As part of the first graduating cohort of UCL East, I have dedicated my time to giving students an equitable UCL experience here. My co-chair role at the UCL East Student Experience Board has been another cornerstone this term. The UCL East campus, with its vibrant energy and potential, has unique needs, and I’ve worked tirelessly to address them.
My focus has been on enhancing the student experience at UCL East by advocating for affordable and healthy food options, introducing hot food vending machines (coming soon!), extending the Marshgate Refectory open hours, and collaborating with departments to open teaching spaces for clubs and societies.
Safety has been another critical focus, especially concerning travel to and from campus during late hours. We have started dialogues with UCL to ensure students feel more secure navigating the campus through some upcoming projects. Additionally, Stall Days at East —a new initiative in collaboration with the UCL East Student Officer, Ben Li—has allowed us to connect directly with students in Marshgate, listening to their needs and aspirations with some cookies and a cup of tea.
Building Support Systems for Mental Health
Mental health has been a recurring theme in my work this term. I’ve collaborated with the Rawleka Wilson and Sharvari Patil, POC Officers, to develop a peer-to-peer mental health support scheme, aiming to foster a culture of empathy and mutual care among students. This initiative is still in development, but the conversations and groundwork are well underway.
Inclusive health services for marginalised students have also been a priority. Rachel Lim (our Welfare & Community Officer) and I held a joint meeting with Ridgmount GP to discuss making health services more accessible and inclusive, particularly for LGBTQ+ students. These discussions have opened avenues for better support systems, and I am committed to seeing them through.
Expanding British Sign Language Classes
British Sign Language (BSL) is a key area where I’ve focused on expanding accessibility and learning opportunities. Working with the BSL Society, Students Partnerships Committee, and the Pro-Provost of EDI, I’ve pushed for increased class capacities and introduced BSL as an Extended Learning Opportunity. This initiative aligns with my broader goal of making UCL a truly inclusive institution where all forms of communication are valued.
Advocating for Equity and Representation
At the Camden Townhall Women’s Safety Workshop, I raised critical issues like phone theft and insufficient lighting, which disproportionately affect students. These are tangible, everyday concerns, and addressing them is essential to fostering a sense of safety and belonging in our community.
Campaigning for Awareness and Empowerment
This term, I’ve also led campaigns that engage and inspire our student body. On Wednesdays We Wear Pink, our Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, was one such initiative that connected students to a larger cause. Similarly, I’ve been preparing for our body positivity and inclusive sports campaign, which will align with LGBTQ+ History Month and Eating Disorder Awareness Week in February.
Moving Forward...
This term has been a period of growth, collaboration, and groundwork for long-lasting change. While challenges remain, I am motivated by the progress we’ve made together. From enhancing inclusivity on campus to empowering student voices, this work is deeply personal and ever evolving. As I look ahead to the next term, I am committed to continuing these efforts with renewed focus, ensuring that every student at UCL feels seen, supported, and valued.