KIRUTHIKA SHALINI CHANDRA SEKAR
CHAMPIONING GENDER, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: A MANIFESTO FOR CHANGE
Hi all, I am your current Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the academic year 2024/25.
My commitment to advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all students, regardless of gender identity, drives my passion for fostering a campus environment that is truly inclusive and supportive.
In my previous roles and experiences, I've honed strong communication and interpersonal skills essential for engaging with diverse communities and advocating for their needs. My deep understanding of gender issues and intersectionality equips me to approach challenges with empathy and insight, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective is valued.
My Vision:
- Addressing Gender-Based Stereotypes: I will work tirelessly to eliminate gender-based stereotypes and promote inclusivity across our campus. This involves advocating for equal opportunities in all aspects of student life at Brunel, addressing gender disparities in leadership positions, and creating a campus environment where all genders feel respected and valued.
- Combatting Period Poverty: I am committed to taking proactive steps to address period poverty among students. This includes advocating for accessible and affordable menstrual products on campus, implementing free or subsidized menstrual product programs, providing education and resources on menstrual health, and working to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation.
- Ensuring Cross-Cultural Inclusion: Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by students with intersecting identities is crucial. I will develop inclusive initiatives and campaigns that celebrate diversity, promote allyship, and create safe spaces for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. Collaborating with campus organisations and stakeholders, I will ensure that intersectional perspectives are prioritised in diversity and inclusion efforts.
- Empowering Underrepresented Voices: I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented genders on campus. This involves providing platforms for students to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas for creating a more inclusive campus community. I will actively seek out input from marginalised groups and ensure that their perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.
- Promoting Diversity in Curriculum and Programs: Recognizing the importance of diverse representation in academic and extracurricular activities, I will advocate for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ perspectives and voices in our curriculum and programming. This includes supporting initiatives to diversify guest speakers, and cultural events to reflect the rich diversity of our student body. By promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, we can foster a more inclusive and welcoming campus environment for all students.
- Supporting International Students: International students bring invaluable perspectives and experiences to our campus community. As a Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer, I am committed to cultivating an environment where international students, hailing from diverse backgrounds, feel a sense of belonging and support akin to their homes, ensuring their seamless transition into life at Brunel. This includes advocating for culturally sensitive support services, facilitating integration programs, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among all students.
Students can trust that I will actively listen to their concerns, collaborate with diverse groups, and implement meaningful initiatives to promote gender equality and inclusion throughout the university community. My empathetic nature, dedication to the cause, and resilience in the face of challenges will drive me to create positive change and foster a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Together, let us embark on this journey towards a campus where every individual is empowered to thrive, regardless of gender or identity.
Contact me
Email: kiru.sekar@brunel.ac.uk