Terms of Reference
1. Purpose
1.1. To give space for the voices, concerns, and experiences of womxn at the School of Public Policy and beyond.
1.2. To ensure the previous, current, and future experiences of all womxn are integrated into policy design and practice in the School of Public Policy and beyond.
1.3. To ensure that policy debate and legislation within the School of Public Policy are not gender neutral and instead take a necessary intersectional and gendered perspective.
2. Membership
2.1. The Womxn’s Network holds open membership for students in the School of Public Policy and encourages all individuals to join and play an active role in the organisation.
2.2. It is expected that all members of The Womxn’s Network support the principles of inclusion, diversity, democracy, women’s rights, human rights, equality, and social and economic justice for all.
3. Function
3.1. To act as an independent forum for LSE students and staff to raise gender- and/or sexuality-specific matters for consideration.
3.2. To share information that represents womxn’s intersectional perspectives on political, social, economic, and cultural matters.
3.3. To influence School of Public Policy staff in building a more inclusive environment and curriculum that represents all womxn and their experiences.
3.4. To serve as a liaison between School of Public Policy staff and students on gender- and/or sexuality-specific initiatives, including complaints and situations of bias as they occur.
3.5. Committees
3.5.1. Advocacy: Drives the network’s advocacy agenda by pressing for change on gender issues within the School of Public Policy, LSE community, and beyond. The objective of the Advocacy Committee is to challenge and change the political, economic, and social systems, institutions, and practices that create inequitable conditions for womxn and other marginalised populations.
3.5.2. Professional Development: Provides opportunities for students from the School of Public Policy (SPP) to build connections with and learn from SPP alumni, policy practitioners, academics, speakers, and fellow students. The objective of the Professional Development pillar is to advance gender balanced leadership both within the SPP as well as in professional settings by providing resources like mentoring and professional and interpersonal skills workshops. Our aim is to help womxn find solutions to barriers they may face professionally and ultimately support them in achieving their career goals.
3.5.3. Events: Organises and hosts events led by policy professionals, academics, practitioners, and students. The objective of the Events Committee is to enable learning, discussion, and action to address the challenges facing womxn personally and professionally both within the School of Public Policy and in the broader intersection between gender, sexuality, and policy.
4. Organisational Structure
4.1 Commits to being non-hierarchical in structure and function, encouraging the free expression of thought and ideas.
