The Student Equality Network is run by students, for students and supported by the Union. It is a group for students who are passionate about promoting equality at Surrey, and this project also helps ensure the Union is well-informed about the experiences of the students who make up our diverse Surrey community. The aim of these initiatives is to make change, celebrate diversity and connect people together.

The Network is led by six paid part time leaders, including Rida our Race Equality Network leader. Find out a bit more about Rida, her experience in the role and what it was like to be part of the Student Equality Network: 

Hi, I'm Rida, a Law with International Relations student who is about to begin  a placement year. This year, I had the privilege of serving as the Race Equality Network Leader, working alongside students and staff to promote inclusion and ensure that all students feel represented and heard.

I got involved with the Race Equality Network because racial equality is something I care deeply about. Having experienced racism and the frustration of people repeatedly mispronouncing my name, I understood how small actions can have a lasting impact on someone's sense of belonging. I wanted to help create a university where students from all backgrounds feel respected, valued, and included.

My role involved leading meetings, organising events and outreach stalls to raise awareness of the support available for students, and encouraging conversations around race equality. I also represented student voices in Race Equality Charter meetings, helping raise concerns that will contribute to long-term improvements across the University, including increasing staff diversity and ensuring the contributions of ethnic minority communities are better reflected within university curricula.

One of my proudest achievements was launching the #MyNameIs campaign. Inspired by my own experience, I wrote an article about reclaiming my name and identity after years of introducing myself as "Ray" because people found "Rida" too difficult to pronounce. The campaign encouraged people to recognise that names are an important part of identity, culture and belonging, and that making the effort to say someone's name correctly is a simple but meaningful act of respect. Seeing students engage with the campaign and share their own experiences was incredibly rewarding.

The biggest highlight, however, was the team I worked with. Everyone was so supportive, welcoming and passionate about making a difference. They made every meeting, event and campaign enjoyable, and I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work alongside.

This role has helped me grow enormously. At the start of the year, approaching strangers at stalls felt intimidating, but after countless outreach events I became much more confident speaking to new people. It was the Student Union's version of rejection therapy! Leading meetings and working with senior academic and professional staff also strengthened my public speaking, communication and leadership skills, while helping me develop a more professional confidence that has benefited both my course and other opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Race Equality Network throughout the year. If you're thinking about getting involved, I would absolutely encourage you to do it. It's an opportunity to create meaningful change, develop valuable skills, meet incredible people and make a real difference to the student experience. You never know the impact you might have on someone else's sense of belonging.

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Through campaigns, events, paid opportunities, and projects that celebrate diversity and amplify student voices, we encourage you to get involved. Led by students, for students- make a change together. Find out more about the Student Equality Network here. 

Interested in being part of the Network? We are currently undergoing a sign up refurb and students will be able to sign up through the website from September 2026. Keep up to date online (Instagram @surreyequalitynetwork). 

Interested in becoming a Network Leader?  Applications will reopen in September 2026. You can find more information about the roles available here.