A big, warm hello from your Women’ Welfare Officer!
With a vote on both the Newnham JCR and the Women’ Council (the decision-making body of the Women's Union, steered by the CUSU Women's Officer, and open to all women members of the University), it’s my role to raise women’ issues affecting you - from disparities between funding for male and female sports teams, to security in College and adequate women’ provisions. I’m here to ensure College and the University at large are meeting your needs and interests as female students. Voice your concerns by sending me an email or coming to chat at my weekly drop-in session!
An essential element of my position is campaigning: the Women's Union is actively involved in challenging inequality where it exists, encouraging good practice on the part of colleges, and working to create an informed and engaged student body.
I will be advertising and taking part in Cambridge-wide Campaigns run by the Women’ Union, as well as organising Newnham campaigns and events, all of which raise money and/or awareness about issues pertinent to women. Past Newnham events include:
Acoustic nights in support of STOP! Violence Against Women, “No Diet Day” picnics, “Love Your Body” night in the bar, feminist film showings, self-defence classes, as well as White ribbon, Red Ribbon and Sexual Health campaigns…
I’m on the JCR Welfare Team and am mainly responsible for your sexual health and wellbeing, alongside the Welfare Officer. We have a strict confidentiality policy and an aversion to gossip - our lips are sealed where your private life is concerned. I’m available for a couple of hours every week for “drop-in” chats (every Friday of Full Term, 4-6pm, Old Hall 306) or feel free to email me to set up a meeting time that’s convenient for you.
I can provide you with FREE condoms, lube, dental dams, pregnancy tests, Chlamydia self-testing kits, rape alarms and tampons on request - all pigeon-holed discretely. I’m also a trained “Sexpert” (CUSU Sexual Health Outreach Team) and can offer you accurate, up to date information regarding sexual problems, STIs, and contraceptives, as well as an open, unbiased listening ear for relationship troubles.
I hope to encourage Newnham women, regardless of their sexual activity or orientation, to acquire the information necessary to lead a safe and fulfilling sex life, well beyond university years!
To be updated.
"Feminism is the radical notion that women are people."
-Cheris Kramarae and Paula Treichler
I hope to convince those sceptics that feminist ideals are not outdated or solely the domain of bra-burning extremists! They are values we all uphold: the right to equal opportunity, equal economical and political rights, as well as the most basic, the right to bodily integrity and autonomy.
Violations of these rights continue, from the very real 1sts-gap and unequal sports funding here at Cambridge, to the National pay-gap and shocking statistics of Violence against Women all around the World.
There are many different kinds of feminism. Even those who consider themselves feminists disagree about what sexism consists of and what exactly ought to be done about it!
Want to discuss your views of feminism with intelligent, interested men and women? Attend the Feminist Shebang! Every second Sunday of Full Term, 2-4pm, Clough JCR.
Everyone welcome! Ranting optional.
"I have never been able to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments that differentiate me from a doormat."
-Rebecca West, 1913
If you’re interested in getting involved in the Women’ Union, come along to Women’ Council every second Tuesday of Full Term from 7pm – non-Women’ Officers are welcome! Positions on the Women’ Executive Team are elected at the start of Lent Term and are a great way to get involved if you’re passionate about a particular campaign, or would like to represent a particular section of the women’ population, eg. Women in Sport, Black and Asian Women, Women’ Welfare etc.
Check out the links or send me an email!
It is my pleasure to stock the Newnham Feminist Library, an amazing collection of interesting and amusing books about women, from fiction to poetry, plays to art books, and more. Enter the library and walk straight ahead, towards the periodicals - the Feminist library is on your left! Titles include:
"Sexual health means enjoying the sexual activity you want without causing yourself or anyone else suffering, physical or mental harm "
- Family Planning Association, 2004
Cliché as it may sound, some people are having sex and some aren't, and it doesn't make anyone better or more cool if they do. It's not important whether you're a virgin and plan to stay that way or whether you have a different partner every night – what is important is being able to get the right information and make the right decisions for you. These are important decisions that can affect your life and future health – and what better time or place to get that information than at university?
Just like the annoying trip to the dentist’s once a year, anyone who is sexually active should get regular check-ups at a GUM or Sexual Health clinic. Many STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are ‘silent infections’, with no outward symptoms, and can have serious consequences if left untreated. Most STIs are curable, and ALL are treatable!
Use a condom! Condoms are the ONLY contraceptive that also protects against STIs. This doesn’t mean that they are 100% effective (in fact, they are only 40% effective against Chlamydia!) but the combined use of condoms and regular check-ups at a GUM clinic will ensure you stay healthy.
Over 23 year-olds should also book yearly ‘Smear tests’ with their GP, to reduce the risk of developing Cervical Cancer.
Want to talk to someone about Sexual Health? Confused about the multitude of contraceptives available? Come to my drop-in session or email me with any questions you may have.
Check out the websites below for comprehensive and accurate Sexual Health information:
Phone: 0800 567 123
They offer free and confidential advice about HIV, AIDS, sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, local services, clinics and support services, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.