Katie Tesseyman, LSESU Women's Officer 2018/19
Why is it so important that we have a dedicated Women’s Officer at LSESU?
It’s important to have a dedicated Women’s Officer at LSESU because there are a lot of issues that continue to affect female and non-binary students in particular that deserve the attention of a dedicated individual. Issues such as the continued taxation of menstrual products as a luxury, sexual harassment on university campuses and matters of everyday sexism which affect women both in class and beyond.
How are you collaborating with LSE students and staff to help build our safe, respectful and inclusive community?
I've collaborated with our EDI team to deliver a series of pilot workshops tackling the issue of harassment and bullying. I've collaborated with students and LSESU staff to pass two UGM motions - the first to mandate LSESU to provide free menstrual products in all the bathrooms and the second to ensure that consent training remains a priority for LSESU.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt as LSESU Women’s Officer?
The most important thing I’ve learned as Women’s Officer has been how to set and maintain my own limits. It’s been a really busy year and learning when to say no to commitments, even when they’re for things I support, has been a really valuable lesson.
What’s your advice for other students or staff members hoping to make a difference at LSE?
Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in because when you do, others will stand with you. It sounds really cliché but I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from both staff and students throughout my time as Women’s Officer.