Jenisha is campaigning to become the next Liberations and Activities Officer in this year’s SU elections. Forge Press spoke to her last week to gain insight into her manifesto and motivations for this role.
To begin with, Jenisha discussed some of her personal experiences and background that has attracted her to this role, “I’m an Indian woman from a very marginalised background, so I know what it can be like to be left out of conversations sometimes. This role would be a gateway to talk about these issues, reflect on them and come up with solutions.” She hopes to use this lived experience and deep understanding of being from minority groups to “connect with you on a very deep level and make your voice heard.”
In short, Jenisha outlined her manifesto as “zero tolerance towards discrimination and hatred.” “My manifesto covers each liberation group and the key issues they face. For example, the curriculum should be decolonized because the education should also reflect each and every student in the class.” She also stated that “every single day should celebrate diversity” and, if elected, she would distribute more funding towards doing so.
Jenisha expressed plans to incorporate a wider selection of food on campus to embrace and accommodate for a variety of cuisines and dietary requirements. “I love John’s van, which is just in front of the Hicks building, I see that every single day on my way to lectures. You can get a burrito or a burger or a sandwich on the go, but it would be so nice to have more options there. Some people only eat halal, some people only like kosher. There’s vegetarians, pescatarians, and it should also be made sure that there’s allergen safe meals.” Jenisha proposed that the introduction of more small food businesses around the university would support both student wellbeing and the local economy.
Jenisha also highlighted the diversity in financial backgrounds within our student community and her plan to combat this: “Not everybody has the money to spare in their everyday lives, especially as a lot of students struggle to find a part time job while studying. So I want to come up with a few free food initiatives so that the food is not going to waste and that at the end of the day, people are fed and happy.”
In addition to food, she mentioned the careers service as another area of the student services she would like to make more inclusive and accessible, particularly to mature students and postgraduates, whose needs can differ quite significantly. “Our career support should allow everyone to graduate with flying colors and have a job guaranteed, which I think is pretty much what every single student wants.” Similarly, Jenisha hopes to increase efforts towards improving and supporting student mental health.
Overall, Jenisha’s vision for the Liberations and Activities Officer is one that prioritises and embraces student wellbeing in its many forms. “If I get elected, I can make sure every single student feels empowered, and also amplify their voice so that their issues are addressed and life gets easier as they don’t have to go through things alone. There should be a community here that they can rely on and students shouldn’t think twice about going to the SU with their issues.”
During the campaigning period, Jenisha plans to create stickers, posters and other visual aids, as well as launching social media pages to share details of her manifesto. “I have a lot of fresh ideas that I want to bring to the table, but I don’t want to give spoilers here.” Her colour scheme combines the classic blue of the student’s union with a purple that symbolises liberation and freedom.
