They say university gives peace of mind, where students find their voices.  But what happens then when university women still fight to earn their respects, rights, and spaces in leadership?”

I am Nuella Chukwuka, and I am running for the position of WOMEN’S WELFARE OFFICER in UWE. As a Woman of Colour studying engineering, I understand when it feels like you don't matter and underrepresented especially women from minorities and women of colour.

Not because we are not intelligent,

Not because we are not ambitious enough,

But because the equality and respect of women are not exactly up to equal with the other gender and we need the change NOW.

THIS IS WHERE MY MISSION BEGINS. My goals are as follows:

·      In career-extension pathways at UWE, participation data from 2023–2024 degree apprenticeships show over 900 male participants and fewer than 200 female participants, meaning women represented about 18% of participants. Female applications also increased from 25% to around 40%,(University of the West of England, 2024). I would increase the numbers to increase to 67% .

·      To push for scholarship boards to give 40% of their quota of beneficiaries to women, especially the ones in engineering and tech, is to ensure that women are prioritized. To open a confidential woman’s grant hub. We would partner with the GEMMA BLEZARD TRAILBLAZING SCHOLARSHIP BOARD (LONDON) as there are no gender-based scholarships.

REMEMBER, WHERE WOMEN HAVE RESOURCES, WE RISE AND LEAD.

·      I advocate for women-centered spaces; UWE HAS NO DEDICATED WOMEN-ONLY SPACE, and research shows “stereotype threats” affect women in MALE-dominated fields (Cardiff University, 2026). It has also caused harassments in gyms (a 33.3% increment) (UKscholarships.uk). I would create a BOOKABLE WOMEN'S ROOM, where ladies can read and decompress; a women-only gym for women to relax without the fear of harassment.

·      70% of female university students have experienced sexual violence (NUS, 2024) and have not reported it since they didn't like it being handled. I would provide a confidential drop-in for women. This makes it easier to face the issues and get it solved without discrimination.

A university where women aren’t silenced but amplified,

Never sidelined but Centred,

Never Silenced but Given audience.

Remember this:

Women who stand together not just change it but lead it, shape it, and make it impossible to ignore