Campus Spotlight: FemCon 2022

For the first time since the Pandemic, Newcastle’s FemSoc are excited to announce the return of their weekend long feminist convention. The weekend will be made up of a range of workshops, talks, socials, and fun events, open to any student. There will also be a mixture of in person and online event. 

In an attempt to inspire and educate, FemCon will cover a range of topics, including: self-care, financial responsibility, inclusivity, decolonising the curriculum, self-enterprise and student activism. 

FemSoc’s secretary Chloe, says that the event will “celebrate cis-women, trans-women, and non-binary folx in support of international women’s day”. 

Whilst the event is free, FemSoc are encouraging anyone who can to donate to the chosen charity, IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services). IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Their services include accommodation, community support, mentoring and access to a free, confidential out of hours’ helpline.

Chloe continues: “We’re really looking forward to this event, and hope to see as many of you there over the weekend as possible”. 

Tickets can be found on the FemSoc NUSU page under the 'shop' section: https://www.nusu.co.uk/organisation/6891/. 

All details can be found below:

Saturday 12th

Lou (Goodstrange Vibes) - Art Workshop: Unpacking Solo Sex Stigma

11am - 12:15pm via zoom

• Creative workshop, inspired by Lou’s recent project ‘Revolutionising Sex Education’, aiming to celebrate and normalise masturbation through the creation of mixed media artwork inspired by participant’s own experiences.
• Materials needed: a piece of paper, collaging materials (magazines/newspapers, scissors & glue) a biro, a thick felt tip pen, one of: colourful crayons / colourful paint / colourful felt tips / coloured pencils.
• Content warnings: brief mention of: drunk sex, clitorectomy, racism in research. Binary language in academia / studies. Self-reflection on a masturbation experience (can be kept private or shared).

Francisca Rockey of Black Geographers - Talk

1-2pm, History Room SU

Clothes Swap 

2:15-3pm, History Room SU

Colouring and Chats 

3-4pm, History Room SU

Ola Majekodunmi of All Things Money - Workshop

4-5pm via zoom 

• A budgeting, finance, savings, and investments workshop with Ola from All Things Money followed by a Q+A session.

Pub Quiz at The Ship Inn

5:30- late

Sunday

Bushra Ali of Bushra Ali Solicitors

11am - 12pm via zoom

• Talk from an immigration solicitor, Bushra Ali. Bushra set up her own practice and her talk will be on disability, diversity, non-conventional routes into law and many other aspects of being a woman in law.

GNDR Crafts and Activism

12:45 - 1:45pm

Fat Pheebs

1:45-3pm via zoom

• Talk on fatphobia, online activism, online abuse

Student Activism Panel

3-4pm via zoom

Sophie Slater of Birdsong

4-5pm

More information can be found on FemSoc’s Instagram: @nusufemsoc.