International Women’s Day viewpoints – an interview with Damson Ellen, SRUCSA Co-President - Central

_{Damson Ellen, SRUCSA Co-President - Central}

SRUC is celebrating International Women's Day 2024 today by bringing you the voices of women from across SRUC, SAC Consulting and SRUCSA. Here's what Damson Ellen, SRUCSA Co-President (Central) had to say:

Can you tell us briefly about your role in SRUC? 

I am the SRUC Students’ Association Central Co-President, based at King’s Buildings but also covering Oatridge and Glasgow Queen’s Park. I was elected to represent students at these locations, to voice and act on their concerns while studying, as well as providing support and signposting to internal staff. The Students’ Association is here to enhance the student experience while at SRUC. I also sit on various committees and the SRUC Board as a student representative. 

What motivated you to apply for your role, and what do you aim to achieve in it? 

I was hesitant to put my name forward for the role, not wanting to interrupt my studies, however the experience I would get from this year outweighed this concern and it was the perfect point in my studies to take a year out for a sabbatical role. I aim to improve visibility and communications from SRUCSA and SRUC staff with students. I also wish to create more of a student community through encouraging and assisting students and starting clubs and societies. I want to establish LGBTQ+, BME, Disability, and Women’s groups for students to meet and connect while studying.  

What does equality mean to you? 

Equality, to me, means everyone having the opportunity to achieve what they want to despite their identity, background, or circumstances. 

What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing current students and their careers? 

I think students need information and training on key transferrable skills that will benefit them in the workplace they are looking to enter. This could be sector specific or general. Support with identifying the skills they already have is key. There also needs to be more work done to reveal to students to vast array of jobs that are available within their subject area which would provide a focus for some students to work towards. Careers fairs, guest speakers, and information on SRUC alumni from their course would be hugely beneficial. Communication is key to this, and this is a challenge that always needs addressing. 

What influence do you strive to have on female colleagues and in your wider network? 

My aim is to have an influence on women within the student body to show that they can put themselves forward for positions like mine and create change from within. I feel I have achieved a large amount already within my role by putting myself forward and I want this legacy to encourage the next sabbatical officer so that they can make a lasting difference. 

Posted by SRUC on 08/03/2024