Over the last 100 years or so there have been many positive changes in societal attitudes towards women. Since the formation of the National Suffragette Movement in 1897, which successfully saw the establishment of women’s right to vote in 1918 and subsequent equality acts, have led to equal opportunities between men and women. However, that said there are still many instances where this is not the case. In the business sector men still considerably outnumber women in senior positions, as they do in parliament and within the CJS. In addition to this and maybe in part because of this, women do not always feel they are taken seriously, and that there is still a stigma attached to women and their roles as wives and mothers. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand that at times women feel underrepresented, whether it is in the workplace, home, educational establishments or within society in general.

As Representative for Women at ARU, I believe that women should never feel that their opinions do not matter or their voices shouldn’t be heard. I am a firm believer in equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of tastes, interests, personalities, beliefs, race or gender. I also am no stranger to speaking out for myself and others on matters that count. Although I am not a feminist, I do feel that women’s opinions matter and their voices need to be heard, as even in today’s modern society equality is not always present.

What I do have though is drive and passion, and the ability to speak out. I am currently a single mother of 2 boys, and have been for the last 8 years, with a few years of life experience behind me, as I’m over 40.

Thanks Sonia