A project by: Fran Green-Armytage
We are the Somerville Equalities Team, made up of the Ethnic Minorities’, Women’s, Disabilities’, LGBTQ officers, and the JCR President. On 9th-15th May 2016 we are putting on Somerville Equalities Week, following on from the success of last year. Since its foundation, Somerville has had a strong ethos of inclusivity, being one of the first all-women colleges in Oxford believing that university education should be open to everyone. As well, the college’s chapel was founded to be undenominational, and now has talks and services relating to a variety of different faiths. With a history such as this we, as Somervillians, truly wish to continue this legacy of diversity. By having Equalities Week this year, we will be able to celebrate our roots and maintain our place at the head of encouraging others to embrace diversity too.
The Equalities Team want to bring to the widest audience possible a week of different events, so that we can raise awareness of current issues relating to race, disability, gender, and sexuality in a way that encourages thought and growth in our community. All these things are dear to us, especially because of Somerville’s history of pioneering new ways of thinking. The events which we are hosting will be open to everyone, and will include talks, a film screening, poetry, and much more. We hope to have something for everyone – whether you want to sit back and enjoy or dive straight in.
We are aiming to make as many of our events free as is possible, so that we can reach out to the greatest number of people we can. The money raised through crowdfunding will go towards getting these events up and running, in ways such as paying for speaker travelling costs, booking venues, buying refreshments, and many more. Seeing as last year’s events were so successful (see picture of fashion show below) we hope to make this year just as good, and perhaps even better. Through even the smallest donation it will help us to bring the true ethos of Somerville to not only our students but as many people in Oxford as we can!
As a thank you to the people who donate we have variety of rewards, seen at the side of the page, which will mean that you will be able to be there right with us as Somerville showcases what it has to offer!
Check us out on Facebook and Twitter to receive regular updates during the organisation of the week, and the week itself!
Tell your friends, tell your boss, tell your mum, tell anyone that Somerville is back for Equalities Week 2016 and we want you to be part of it. That said, we’d really love it if you could give us money to help enhance this fantastic week, and promote the Somervillian values of equality and diversity!
Thank you so very much!