SJC Women's Network eNewsletter - March 2022
Welcome to the Hilary term newsletter for the St John's College Women's Network. As the weather turns warmer, we are all hoping that sunnier days are ahead of us. The wider world, outside Oxford, continues to face many challenges but we hope to offer solidarity, sisterhood, and succour to all members of the network.
To quote John Donne (or indeed the not so wise main character in 'About a Boy') 'no man is an island, entire of itself'. It seems apposite therefore, to look towards our wider Women's Network of those who believe in equality for women across the globe. Fittingly the SJC Photo competition this year has the theme of 'community'. Current students, staff and fellows are encouraged to apply with a piece that encapsulates this theme to them. Further details can be seen on the College website here.
February also saw the College honour LGBTQ+ History Month in a variety of ways including poetry and other artwork published in College, more details here. We strive to be a network that represents all our members and we were delighted to see College flying the Progress flag. Simone Dawes, who wrote a piece for this newsletter as she comes to the end of her time as JCR Women's Officer, also compiled a list of media and book recommendations with Wilf, her co-JCR LGBTQ+ rep.
We have lots of events to connect us coming up on the horizon. On 7 April, we will hold a talk by Belinda Kirk (1994, Biological Sciences) on her first book Adventure Revolution: The life-changing power of choosing challenge. The event is titled 'Reframing Failure' and explains why we should redefine 'failing' and how adventure is essential to wellbeing. Dr Severine Toussaert, Tutorial Fellow in Economics. will facilitate the discussion. The event is open to all, and you can sign up here.
Please stay turned for details of our Women in Tech event on 21 May as well, sign up details will be available on the College website.
Rose Sundt (2015, Oriental Studies)
Communications Lead for SJC Women's Network
Click here to read more about Rose
Mia Thwaites, current second year studying history, organised our recent 'Not the Milk Round' event. The event was a wonderufl networking opportunity to share experiences and inspire our younger members. We look forward to seeing the connections created grow from this and seeing more forged at future events.
A warm introduction to our new Secretary of the Women's Network, Archana. We look forward to having her on the team as the Network develops. Read more to find out about Archana's background and why she has joined the Committee.
Simone Dawes was Women's Officer in 2021 and has been a member of the SJC Women's Network. As she comes to the end of her tenure, we caught up with her about being an active Women's Officer throughout COVID-19, and actively striving to make the College a more inclusive place.
Watch recordings from the 40 Years of Women: Reflections of a President event here:
Watch the interactive session's plenary discussion
Don't forget to join our new SJC Women's Network group on LinkedIn