Our missions reflect our values and priorities and are based upon first-hand knowledge of being a minority in STEM subjects. These three missions form the foundation for our event planning.
Additionally, each year we choose a FOCUS TOPIC relevant to the time. Last year our focus topic was Sustainability. This year our focus topic is Intersectionality in STEM, through a racial lens. WEST will be exploring the intersectionality between gender and race for black women in STEM and how black women face double discrimination.
Our spin-out community interest company, WEST C.I.C. is working on an inclusive innovation project in Nigeria. The project aims to improve the garri-frying process for rural Nigerian women by bringing waste to energy garri-frying equipment developed by a project lead. WEST C.I.C. will also be looking at gender dynamics in the garri frying locations, whilst working on a report for The UK research Institute, findings of the report will be presented at the International Women and Scientist Conference.
An interactive forum theatre, that addressed some challenges that women in STEM face in the workplace. Prior to the theatre piece, a focus group was organised, members were able to talk about real-life challenging experiences they have faced at the workplace and in academia. The experiences were then collated together with Aston Drama Society.
The audience could intervene in the play, at intervals they thought the scenario could be improved. Following the event we enjoyed a round of Domino’s Pizza!
Workshops, presentations and networking. Every year we attend the national Women in Engineering Society Student Conference held at Warwick University. It is a great opportunity to widen our horizons and meet other STEM students from all over the country. Last year 146 students from 26 universities attended the WES Student Conference.
If you would like to find out more please email us at west@aston.ac.uk.
