‘Kick Misogyny Off Campus’: UCL Students Protest to Mark International Women’s Day
Socialist Feminist Society at IWD protest. Image Courtesy: Layla Quaedvlieg
Trigger Warning: Article contains references to sexual assault
Dozens of UCL students have gathered to protest against all forms of misogyny on campus. The demonstration took place at 1pm on Friday 7th March in the Japanese Garden, likely a substitute location following the Main Quad closures. Increased rates of spiking, institutional sexism and UCL’s limited support for victims of sexual assault were just some of the issues raised. Students also gathered to express solidarity with transgender rights movements and women in Palestine.
The protest comes in advance of International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated worldwide on the 8th March each year. IWD champions female achievements across all sectors whilst mobilising action in the ongoing struggle for equality. Taking the lead on UCL’s own IWD celebrations, Socialist Feminist Society organised the student gathering, although members from the Trans Network and Action for Palestine were also in attendance.
‘THE WHOLE DAMN SYSTEM: SHUT IT DOWN’ was boldly branded across a banner, alongside each society’s logo, and held up throughout the hour-long demonstration. Different speakers expressed their concerns through a megaphone, whilst leading the crowd in interludes of collective chants such as, ‘End spiking, end assault! No to saying it’s our fault!’
Students gather in the Japanese Gardens. Image Courtesy: Layla Quaedvlieg
One demand expressed was that UCL consider implementing an alternative option to the Report+Support tool, which protesters accused of being inaccessible and flawed. Wren, a leading member of the Socialist Feminist Society, claimed that the support services available for survivors of sexual assault and transgender students are ‘diabolical’, and that UCL should invest ‘more funding into improving these services, rather than external arms companies’.
There was some positive news shared too, as Wren told the crowd that the Students’ Union had been in contact with the Socialist Feminist Society via email following the announcement of the protest. The SU proposed an emergency meeting to discuss options for improving support around issues of sexual assault and spiking, a plan which seems particularly vital in light of this week’s conviction of former UCL student Zhenhao Zou.
Wren explained how this proves protests really can set the ball rolling for meaningful change, while thanking all students in attendance. Wren stated, ‘Misogyny doesn’t just stop on campus, and these protests are so important to fight back and connect over our struggles.’