Shadia Edwards-Dashti
Hustings
Interview
What is your background?
I have been at SOAS for the last 5 years, so my background is SOAS! I have politically engaged at every level contesting the status quo, from challenging individuals and institutionalised inequality, to global issues, to academic issues.
I am currently a National officer and National Student Representative for Stop the War Coalition (STW). Within this role I have co-lead anti-war, anti-imperial campaigns both in Parliament and on international panels discussing Palestine, Islamaphobia and the War on Terror. I am on the National Committee of the Student Assembly fighting austerity measures, governmental cuts and have co organised #FreeEducation campaigns.
I am a spokesperson for these issues and others relating to gender, sexuality, minority representation, diversity, human rights, foreign policy, international law, and faith, on many media outlets and made appearances on news programmes and documentary items, including RT News, London Live, Press TV & Al-Jazeera English.
What are the two most pressing issues facing students on campus today?
Fees are too high! The student loan is a con! It’s a debt for life! Education should not be treated as a business, universities should be centers of critique, knowledge and empowerment and not instruments of government revenue, and profit. We must demand an alternative experience. Its OUR University, OUR education, OUR rights.
Students need a powerful voice to articulate their concerns about campus, university, young people and the sources of inequality and imperialism on the international agenda. We must have a place and take that place on the national and international stage through its media. I pledge to you I will take that place I will be that voice!
What are your top priorities in this role?
- To raise awareness of UGMs by focusing on the power of each and every individuals vote and voice.
- Engage at local and national government level in effectively representing the voice of SOAS on national and international issues.
- Call for greater transparency and accountability of academic and administrative staff.
- To have an effective voice in development of future academic policy and ensure proper student representation.
How can the union improve as an organisation representing such a diverse group of students?
Three key strategies are part of my agenda for improving access to SOAS for those from less privileged backgrounds: working with admissions departments and strategies including enhancing English language support and support for disabled students. Supporting cultural diversity and a focus on embracing multi faith, especially today in a world where the superpowers are fragmenting our togetherness.
One of the major challenges will be contesting the voracious anti Muslim media machinery and Government anti- terrorism legislation infiltrating campuses.
What is the most important quality for a member of the union executive to have?
I will be Unflinching and undaunted in the face of challenge to all our shared objectives and principles.
How would you increase student participation in union proceedings? [i.e. UGMs, elections etc.]
From the Grass roots, informing freshers, raising awareness of how essential UGMS are to the collective goal of SOAS students in national and international agendas.
If you could invite any three people (alive or dead) to a party, who would they be?
The ‘absolutely fabulous’ Joanna Lumley who in her private life has never forgotten humanity and publicly stood shoulder to shoulder with the Gurkhas for their rights.
Benjamin Zephaniah who inspired me when I was a child reading his poetry for freedom and equality.
Tony Benn MP former President of STW, fearlessly encouraged young people and me to ‘dare to stand alone.’
