We were delighted to welcome some special guests to the university to share their insights and experiences of working in politics.
The event was attended by first-year students studying on the Politics and International Relations BA, Politics, Sexuality and Gender BA, and Politics BA degrees as part of the Politics in Practice module.
Bringing insight to the Brighton students were:
Sara Rydkvist – Programme Manager, Hong Kong Programme at Amnesty International UK
Sara talked about the suppression of democracy in Hong Kong and related human rights issues. Sara also emphasised transnational repression, in particular the targeting of Hong Kong activists now based in the UK.
Helen Hamilton – Senior Policy Analyst at WaterAid
Helen highlighted the gendered dynamics in water, sanitation and hygiene. Helen reflected on a particular experience of lobbying for an international resolution on access to clean water and the frustration when this did not lead to concrete change – before outlining what WaterAid and its allies did next to push for change.
Phil Clarke – South East Regional Secretary at the National Education Union
Phil explained the role of trade unions in the UK and his journey from secondary school teaching into trade unionism. He detailed the distinctive relationship of trade unions to the Labour Party historically, and then considered its current state.
In response to students’ questions, each speaker shared their own route into their current role and provided advice for those interested in working in similar jobs in the future. The panel reflected on the similarities and differences in how they campaign, lobby governments, cooperate with international governmental organisations, and collaborate with grassroots activists both in the UK and globally.
All three speakers talked about the importance of international solidarity and persistence. They also reflected on contemporary challenges, including restrictions on the right to protest and union activity, cuts to international aid, the policies of the Trump administration, Palestine, Ukraine, and the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For student Lillian Mountford, the session was “informative and gave useful advice about working in the not-for-profit industry”. WaterAid’s Helen Hamilton remarked afterwards that it was “great to hear from the students and I thought they asked excellent questions”.
This special event gave our Politics students the opportunity to hear insights from people working on the ground, as well as the chance to make valuable connections for the future.
Thank you to all the speakers for giving their time so generously!
Learn about studying politics at the University of Brighton.
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