by Ayomikun Bolaji

The women* of Oriel gathered once more on the 28th of April to celebrate woman*hood,  female* empowerment and diversity at the Women*’s Dinner: a feat we have only enjoyed once before, and will hopefully enjoy for many years to come thanks to the amazing Eva Hogan, JCR Women*’s Officer.

‘I want Women*’s Dinner to be an annual event that sticks – and I want the annual all-female High Table to stick long into Oriel’s future. It’s a powerful symbol and a great celebration of the inspirational women at Oriel across the generations.’

Words from Eva Hogan

Usually when The Poor Print covers formal dinners at Oriel, we simply cover the menu. 
Now I could tell you about what we ate, what we wore and how we looked (though I can’t help but admit that we all looked amazing!), but I think what is more important – what ought to matter more – is what was said.

Snippets of wisdom were bestowed upon us by our JCR President Phoebe Winter, a force of change; our Women*’s Officer Eva Hogan, an advocate for inclusivity; and rocket scientist Kate Underhill, an excellent example of perseverance in a male-dominated world.

Here are some highlights of the night:

• Eva began the night with a speech highlighting that ‘diversity should be something that is … celebrated everywhere, especially at Oriel’.
• Kate gave us four lessons learnt from her time at Oriel.
• Phoebe shared some of her experiences as a female JCR president and gave shoutouts to the hardworking women* in our JCR committee.
• The Green Bean Machine concluded the night with good vibes and great songs.

To those of you who missed the dinner, future women* of Oriel and women* who have previously graced these halls, I would say the main takeaway from the festivities are that:

You are appreciated.
You are valued.
You are enough.