What does it mean to be a woman at Imperial?

With International Women's Day approaching, and our Editor-in-Chief asking if I was interested in writing for this week's editorial, I thought long and hard about how to approach the question.

I considered tracing a historical journey, imagining experiences of the first women who were granted permission to attend 'occasional lectures' at Imperial in the late 19th century. I thought about contrasting that epoch with today, where gender no longer presents the same stringent barriers to admittance. I pondered showcasing my own achievements as a woman in STEM at a top university, or even discussing how being a woman shapes my perspective as Books Editor.

Eventually, remarkably, I realised I had little to say; that I have the privilege of mundanity. While I recognise that experiences vary across individuals (I am rather fortunate for the balanced gender representation in the Department of Life Sciences), I haven't experienced notable gender-related advantages or disadvantages.

I have still formed profound friendships. I explore London freely. I mostly thrive academically. And through it, gender is not at the forefront of my university identity.

I appreciate the profundity of this privilege I take for granted. So, this Women's Day, I have decided to celebrate the luxury of nonchalance: the freedom to focus on my studies, my writing, and my relationships - to live as I wish - without emphasis or consideration of my gender. I will be cherishing the women who have made a difference to my life, but I will also carry about my day as usual, because the world will not stop for me - nor do I want it to.