In Their Shoes series - An interview with Isabella Purves, a UN Women UK Delegate to CSW68

Welcome to "In Their Shoes," where we explore the experiences of students navigating the professional world. Today, we feature Isabella Purves , a Geography student at the University of Exeter who enhanced her skills as a UN Women UK Delegate to CSW68. Isabella shares her journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she encountered and offering valuable advice for fellow students.

?

1.????? What motivated you to apply for the UN Women delegate position? What does the work involve?

My journey towards the UN Women delegate position began with my involvement in the UN Women’s Society at my university. This exposure motivated my interest in women's rights, an area I hadn't previously focused on, as my background was primarily environmental. However, I quickly realized the significant overlap between environmental issues and women's rights, which further increased my enthusiasm for the role.

The opportunity to apply for the position came through the society, which frequently posted about such openings. I had already served in a similar capacity for COP 28, an environmental conference, as a university delegate. That role provided me with invaluable experience in multilateral diplomacy and decision-making processes on a global scale. Seeing the impact and learning opportunities from COP 28, I was eager to explore these dynamics within the context of UN Women.

The application process was straightforward. I had to submit an online expression of interest and write about 500 words explaining why I would be a great delegate and what drew me to the role. Drawing from my previous experiences, I found this part manageable. After being offered the position, I completed training modules to familiarize myself with the platform and prepare for the tasks ahead.

2.????? What can you share about your experience in the role?

My role as a UN Women delegate spanned two weeks, during which I attended numerous events and discussions featuring delegates from the UK and the US. These main events were complemented by parallel sessions organized by NGOs, focusing on related topics such as how environmental disasters affect women's responsibilities.

Throughout these events, I took notes and later provided feedback to the charity organizing the initiative. A significant part of the experience involved sharing insights from the events and brainstorming projects based on the discussions at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) 68. This collaborative aspect allowed us to develop initiatives inspired by the conference themes, which I found incredibly rewarding.

3.????? From your participation in CSW68, what do you feel are the key issues that women are currently facing?

One thing that struck me was the concept that inequality is inherently intersectional, meaning that various forms of discrimination overlap and affect women differently. This intersectionality must be acknowledged and addressed within the women's rights movement. Economic inequalities are a significant concern, as they often force poorer women into caring roles for wealthier women, perpetuating a cycle of disparity.

Another critical issue is the intersection of climate change and women's rights. Women, especially those in rural areas, are often disproportionately affected by environmental changes. They are usually at the forefront of combating soil degradation and other environmental challenges, as their livelihoods depend on the land's resilience.

4.????? Can you expand on how women are more impacted by the environment?

Women in rural areas are particularly vulnerable to environmental changes because they are primarily responsible for ensuring the resilience of crops and local forests. This responsibility stems from traditional gender roles where men engage in manual labour while women handle nurturing and caregiving tasks. Consequently, when environmental degradation occurs, women are the first to respond and work towards restoring the land's fertility.

This role is crucial for maintaining economic stability, especially as climate-related events like flash floods become more common. Women's efforts in increasing soil fertility and preparing for environmental changes are central to their communities' quick response and long-term resilience. Their contributions are vital in ensuring that communities can adapt to and withstand environmental challenges.

5.????? Going back to your environmental background, can you explain more about the Exeter Sustainability Guild Challenge and “Be The Change” Society?

As a member and now treasurer of “Be The Change”, the environmental sustainability society at my university, I've been actively involved in various initiatives. In my first year, I was a member, and this year I've taken on a leadership role. Our society campaigns for increased sustainability at the university and addresses issues like eco-anxiety, which is a growing concern among environmentally conscious individuals.

Our main project this year was a microplastics campaign, which earned us the Sustainability Guild Award. With the rise of synthetic fibres in clothing, microplastics are increasingly polluting our waterways when clothes are washed. Our campaign aimed to raise awareness about this issue and advocate for the installation of filters on all campus washing machines to capture these microplastics. We researched various solutions, including the Cora Ball and the more efficient Gulp, which attaches to pipes and extracts microplastics from the water.

We presented these findings to the university, and our efforts garnered significant interest. In addition to this campaign, we hold bi-weekly Sustainable Sunday events, where we research environmental issues and create Instagram posts to raise awareness. These activities provide a low-pressure environment for members to engage with environmental issues and meet like-minded individuals.

6.????? You mentioned that you have tried to get the university to add filters to the washing machines. Have you been successful in doing so?

The initiative to install filters on the washing machines is still ongoing. Navigating the bureaucracy of a large organization like the university has presented challenges. The washing machines are owned by an external contractor, requiring us to obtain approval from both the university and the contractor. Although these filters do not affect the machines' functionality, the approval process has been slow.

Despite these challenges, we have made progress and established contacts within the university. We are also exploring the possibility of installing filters on the machines used to clean lab coats, which are managed by another contractor. We anticipate that the project will likely be completed next year.

7.????? In your opinion, what can university students do individually to help the environment?

Depending on their interests, students can take several actions to help the environment. Protesting is a visible way to show support for the climate movement and connect with like-minded individuals. Making personal lifestyle changes, such as adopting a vegetarian diet, reducing single-use plastic, and using solid shampoos and conditioners, can also significantly impact one's carbon footprint.

As a geography student, I've learned that major individual actions like taking fewer international flights, having fewer children, not owning a car, and following a plant-based diet can substantially reduce environmental impact. Joining environmental organizations, like “Be The Change” or “Friends of the Earth”, can help students actively contribute to local initiatives and see tangible results from their efforts. Signing petitions and writing to local MPs about environmental issues are other effective ways to advocate for change.

8.????? How do you balance your university degree and extracurricular activities?

Balancing my university degree with extracurricular activities requires careful planning and prioritization. At the start of each year, I list my goals, such as securing an internship, completing my piano grade 8, and maintaining regular swimming sessions. This helps me focus on what I want to achieve rather than taking on every opportunity that comes my way. Balancing employability activities with relaxing ones like music and swimming helps prevent burnout. Structuring my life around academic deadlines ensures I stay on top of both my studies and extracurriculars. While I might have taken on a lot this year, I planned to focus on my dissertation next year, making it manageable.

As a Geography student at the University of Exeter and a UN Women UK Delegate to CSW68, Isabella has seamlessly blended her passion for environmental sustainability with her advocacy for women's rights. Her story highlights the interconnectedness of these issues and the impact of dedicated student involvement.

Isabella's journey offers valuable lessons on overcoming challenges, finding your voice, and making a meaningful difference. Her advice to fellow students is clear: embrace opportunities, pursue your passions, and remember that individual actions can lead to substantial change. We hope Isabella’s experiences inspire you to navigate your own path with determination and purpose.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next edition. Share this newsletter with your friends, family, and colleagues, and encourage them to subscribe if they haven't already. Connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated on the latest stories and conversations.