Trinity Hall’s Gender Representatives Reflect on International Women’s Day
In anticipation of International Women’s Day, the MCR and JCR representatives at Trinity Hall share insightful perspectives on the importance of inclusivity, representation, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality in academia.
Sophie Mason, the Women’s and Non-Binary Officer for the JCR, emphasised the challenges faced by women and non-binary students within the historically male-dominated environment of Cambridge. “It is vital to ensure inclusivity and representation,” Sophie stated. “Such inclusivity begins on a College level.”
She continued, stressing the need to recognize the historical context of women’s existence at Trinity Hall and the shared goal of all students: learning and working towards their degrees. Sophie urged continued efforts to combat the barriers women face in academia, both on a personal and institutional level.
Tiana Maria (pictured and above on the right), the MCR Gender Officer, shared her educational background and current pursuits, stating, “Gender representation is really important to me. I’m currently doing an MPhil in Multi-Disciplinary Gender Studies. It’s an acknowledgement of what is going on at the moment in the world, and that’s important to me.”
Laura Espinoza (pictured above on the left of Tiana), the other MCR Gender Officer, expressed the significance of collaboration within the College community. Reflecting on their involvement, Laura said, “Being part of the MCR means you have a voice.”
As International Women’s Day approaches, Laura highlighted the need to reflect on the contributions women make to society and to consider the broader conversation about gender. She emphasised the role of women in environmental movements, acknowledging those who put their lives on the line, fighting against issues such as pipelines on indigenous peoples’ land.
Tiana added a crucial reminder not to be complacent, recognising the fragility of the strides made in women’s and gender rights. “While we have made great strides, we need to recognise that those rights can be taken away quickly, as we have seen in recent years across the world.”
For Tiana, Women’s History Month more widely serves as an opportunity to connect her studies with her background, contemplating the contributions of women like Claudia Jones, who played a pivotal role in creating the Notting Hill Carnival. Tiana emphasised the often-overlooked role of women at the forefront of such movements.
In their collective reflection, Trinity Hall’s gender representatives emphasised the ongoing importance of promoting inclusivity, acknowledging the struggles faced by women and non-binary individuals, and recognising the significant role women play in shaping history and society.
