Hi, my name is Zarabel and I’m currently a first-year business management and marketing student. I’m running for women’s welfare officer because I am passionate about making meaningful changes for women at university. I believe that every woman should feel safe, supported and empowered no matter what, and I am committed to working towards that goal.  

During my gap year I volunteered in women’s homeless shelters as well as food banks. I worked closely with vulnerable women facing challenges such as domestic abuse, financial struggles and mental health struggles. This experience deepened my understanding of the issues and challenges women face and strengthened my determination to advocate for change.  

I currently work for The Students’ Union across multiple teams, including front-of-house reception, the Community Team (Swap Shop at Glenside), the Green Team, and the Marketing Team. This has given me a strong understanding of how the SU operates and allowed me to build valuable relationships with staff, current presidents, and other part-time officers. I know how to navigate the SU to implement real change. 

Growing up I was surrounded by strong, independent women who built their lives from the ground up who taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of support networks. Being raised in a family full of such inspiring women shaped who I am today, instilling in me the drive to advocate for and uplift other women. 

Academically, my dedication to gender equality is evident through my 6,000-word Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on women’s inequality. During my GCSEs, I also led a Free the Nipple campaign, delivering a presentation on body positivity and self-acceptance. 

I believe that all of these experiences have prepared me well for the role of Women’s Welfare Officer.  

My Key Priorities and Targets as Women's Welfare Officer: 

Unfiltered Women’s Wellbeing Chats: Real Talk. Real Struggles. Real Support. 

If elected, I will launch Unfiltered Women’s Wellbeing Chats, a safe and inclusive space for female students to discuss often overlooked struggles. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including: 

• Women’s health conditions (e.g., endometriosis, PMS) 

• Birth control and reproductive health 

• Understanding what a "normal" period is 

• Balancing university, work, social life, and difficult periods 

• Mental health challenges 

• Gender-based financial inequalities 

I will invite guest speakers and external charities to lead discussions, ensuring sessions are informative and empowering. This initiative will not only offer female students a chance to learn but also help build friendships and network in a judgment-free and safe environment. 

To ensure accessibility, I will upload key takeaways from each session on The Student’s Union website, for those who couldn’t attend. 

Empowering Women  

I want to break down barriers that prevent women from participating in sports and societies and ensure they feel welcomed, represented, and celebrated. This initiative will focus on two key areas: 

1. Increasing Diversity in Sports Clubs and Societies  

I will work closely with male-dominated societies and sports teams to create more inclusive environments by organizing workshops and encouraging clubs to hold open sessions that promote gender diversity. Through these initiatives, I aim to create a community, where women feel confident and empowered to participate in traditionally male-dominated fields. 

1. Expanding Women’s & Non-Binary Only Sports Sessions 

I will collaborate with the Centre for Sport to introduce women’s and non-binary only MOVE sessions and designated gym access times. To ensure these initiatives align with student needs and wants, I will conduct surveys to gather feedback and tailor programs that truly support and empower women in sports. 

This campaign is about making sport a safe, empowering, and accessible space for all women, regardless of experience or body image concerns.  

Supporting & Expand Ongoing Campaigns 

1. Free Period Products and Free Reusable Period Products 

I will support The Students’ Union current free period product provision and reusable period product trial and work to expand the provision further. Additionally, I will introduce emergency period packs at designated pick-up points to support students facing financial struggles. 

1. Sexual Violence Awareness  

I will strengthen the anti-sexual violence campaign by making it more visible, student-led, and inclusive, ensuring that it involves not only women but also men, to foster a safer UWE community. Additionally, I will raise awareness on what to do when witnessing concerning behaviour, empowering students to support each other while prioritizing their own safety. 

My goal is to create a campus where respect, safety, and empowerment are the foundation of student life.