Eda Yildirimkaya

Equity & Inclusion Officer

Hi! I’m Eda!

As your Sabbatical Officer for Equity and Inclusion across the Union, I work full-time to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, providing them with equal opportunities to participate in the Union’s activities. I also work closely with and support the POC Students’, Disabled Students’, LGBQ+, Trans, and Women’s Officers and Networks, advocating for their work and helping these networks become thriving, active, and democratic communities.

I represent your interests at all of the Policy Zones and the Union Executive as a voting Member.

Read my manifesto here

What matters to me?

Check out my priorities below about some of the work I’ve been doing and things I’m passionate about!

My Priorities

Students are confident in connecting with each other and support one another to feel safe, reassured and inspired.

My biggest project for the next year, the Intersectionality Forum, is a work-in-progress. We will be having the forum twice a term, bringing all the Network leaders and members together to work on intersectionality on campus together. This will not only strengthen my communication with the Liberation Officers and the Networks, but also create a space for us to address intersectionality (discussing issues, planning events, potential collars, etc.)

Students can be proud and accepted for who they are in a safe community with a high level of cultural understanding.

Our Advice Service, Societies, and Democracy Teams are working alongside me and Ana in delivering the Active Bystander Training to our incoming student leaders.

Students have an equitable experience in a united and inclusive community, regardless of where they are based and from.

After months of liaising, Rachel and I received the funding for a trial month for the UCL East Shuttle Bus Project which will likely to kick off in the month of October.


Sabbatical Officer Reports

Our Sabbatical Officers create a report every two weeks to inform our members. They believe that keeping everyone in the loop can foster a lively, supportive atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate and share their ideas. These updates are a great way for them to share what's been happening, from their current projects to collaborations with different student groups, academic departments, and community organizations. 

In each report, you can expect to find insights into the challenges they are tackling, the solutions they are implementing, and the positive impacts these efforts have on student life. From supporting engaging events and workshops to launching new programs that promote well-being and academic success, their initiatives are designed to enhance the overall campus experience.


Voting Record

As democratic leaders, all Sabbatical Officers must maintain transparency in their work. Below is a record of the voting on policies introduced during the academic year 2024-2025 and how Eda has voted. Please note that Sabbatical Officers do not participate in all Zones and, therefore, do not vote on every policy.

Policy Zone Votes Zone Vote
The Union should lobby UCL to expand Project Period into a university-wide initiative WCZ For
The Union should create a "Commuters' officer" role WCZ For
Change to the Structure of the Sports Rep System AZ Abstain
Ban fossil fuel companies from sponsoring clubs and societies AZ Abstain
Improved transport links for UCL East students WCZ For
Active Bystander & Consent Training AZ For
The Union should internally regulate all media societies via the IPSO code AZ For
The Union should support the Fossil Free Careers Campaign EZ For
Lobby UCL to conduct an institution-wide review of academic curriculums for inclusivity and gender equity EZ For
Use of Amazon Vouchers and Products WCZ Absent
Supporting Students in Sex Work WCZ Absent
The Union should commit to formalizing the implementation of the Sustainability Council and addressing the climate emergency across the Union’s work WCZ Absent
The Union Should Cut Ties With Environmentally And Socially Harmful Banks WCZ Absent
Union to Lobby UCL for a Firm Stance Against Staff Misconduct & Strengthened Protection for Students. WCZ Absent
Union to Lobby UCL for Transparent, Survivor-Centred Improvements to the "Report and Support" System through Formal Student Consultation WCZ Absent
Union Executive Votes Type of Vote Vote
The Union should lobby UCL to expand Project Period into a university-wide initiative Ratification For
International Student Officer to have Membership of All Zones & Union Executive Ratification For
The Union should create a "Commuters' officer" role Amendment to Governing Document For
Change to the Structure of the Sports Rep System Amendment to Governing Document For
Active Bystander and Consent Training Ratification For
The Union should internally regulate all media societies via the IP Ratification For
Ban fossil fuel companies from sponsoring clubs and societies Ratification For
Lobby for UCL-Wide Review of Academic Curriculums for Inclusivity and Gender Equity Ratification For
Support the Fossils Free Careers Campaign Ratification For
Improved transport links for UCL East students Ratification For
Explaining the History of Phineas Bar Policy  For
Rename LGBQ+ Officer to LGBTQ+ Officer  Amendment to Governing Document For
All activities zone reps to be elected in March Elections, leaving some positions to be elected for Term 1  Amendment to Governing Document For
Bye-Laws Tidy Up  Amendment to Governing Document For
Use of Amazon Vouchers and Products  Ratification For
Union to Lobby UCL for Transparent, Survivor-Centred Improvements to the "Report and Support" System through Formal Student Consultation  Ratification For
Union to Lobby UCL for Accountability, Transparency, and Ongoing Protection in Staff Misconduct Policies   Ratification For
Supporting Students in Sex Work  Ratification For
The Union should commit to formalizing the implementation of the Sustainability Council and addressing the climate emergency across the Union’s work  Ratification For
The Union Should Cut Ties With Environmentally And Socially Harmful Banks  Ratification For

These voting records were last updated on 4 June 2025.

Meetings & Committees I attend:

  • Activities Zone.
  • Education Zone.
  • Welfare and Community Zone.
  • Union Executive.
  • Board of Trustees and committees.
  • UCL Academic Committee.
  • UCL Education Committee
  • UCL Student Partnership Committee.
  • UCL East Student Experience Board
  • UCL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
  • UCL East Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
  • UCL Equality Monitoring and Advancement Group.
  • UCL Inclusive Environments Sub-Committee
  • UCL Student Access & Success Committee.
  • UCL East Access & Widening Participation Board.
  • UCL Religion & Belief Working Group.  
Blog posts
Our response to UCL's Stonewall decision
UCL have confirmed they will not re-join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions scheme or make a submission to the Workplace Equality Index.
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