Solihull College & University Centre has been recognised for its ongoing commitment to creating a space where all students feel safe, respected and able to thrive – free from sexism and sexual harassment.
The College has received a silver award at the UK Feminista Action Awards less than a year after signing the UK Feminista Action Pledge.
Student Voice Officer, Sasha Georgieva, has been leading the campaign. She comments: “I feel it was so important to sign up to the pledge. It’s clear girls everywhere do feel unsafe, and we have been working as a whole college to recognise that more needs to be done.
We completed a staff survey which resulted in whole staff training. This took place across Solihull’s Blossomfield and Woodlands Campuses, as well as partner Stratford-upon-Avon College. We have a whole college approach action plan, where we can all link together. We had to prove to Feminista UK that we are acting on our word, and we are delighted to have been awarded the Silver award during our first year.”
The College campaign is called ‘Protect the Vibe’, designed to actively engage the student body in conversations about inclusivity, respect, and safety, ensuring that the culture of the College remains supportive for everyone.
The silver demonstrates the College’s dedication to embedding a whole college approach to challenging sexism and sexual harassment and ensuring all students and staff feel empowered, respected, and valued.
Schools and colleges from across the UK were recently recognised at the third UK Feminista Action Award Ceremony 2026. Winning schools and colleges received their awards at a ceremony held in the Houses of Parliament, hosted by Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the UK Parliament’s Education Committee.
The College is now working towards a gold award. Sasha is confident that procedures are in place to get the accreditation: “We are raising awareness of your rights, autonomy and how you can support others and yourself and others when it comes to sexual violence and harassment. It’s really rewarding to see how it’s grown and shown impact – it’s great to be recognised. It’s made me feel like this work is truly affecting people in a positive way and now I want to work hard to get us to gold standard.”
