Who cares? A common reaction when I mention I chose sustainability studies as an elective at university. Studying both business and sustainability I understand the importance of the UN sustainable development goals like 8 and 9 as well as 12 and 13, having wrote essays about the impact of globalisation, speaking in Spanish about the impact of over-tourism on Mount Everest and working closely to research new expansion strategies for circular businesses around Glasgow; these SDG’s impact all of them. For me it’s vital we all work together to create a cleaner environment like normalising donating clothes instead of binning them, moving from candles to diffusers or walking to work instead of driving. Being a Walker (my last name) doesn’t oblige me to walk everywhere although has been encouraged since I was little, and having always lived in easily accessible cities I have been very lucky, which is why I am looking forward to my year in Madrid. A not only beautiful but accessible city, I originally worried about transport as my university is outside of Madrid but having found out about the number of pedestrianised streets and inexpensive public transport, I feel very grateful to be able to continue walking everywhere and may even try cycling with their popular bike system ‘Bicimad’.
Although a clean environment is important, you cannot forget about also creating a safer environment through Goals 5 & 17. I have always been passionate about gender equality and having the opportunity to go to Madrid where they have one of the highest rates of women in leadership positions is really exciting. This passion started from participating in Sport, which I intend to continue in Spain even in the heat, where some of my friends felt uncomfortable to participate or didn’t want to become too muscly. It’s heartbreaking watching your friends feel left out or uncomfortable and it really struck me how important accessibility between gender is. I fully believe sport is a great way to develop goals 5 and 11 and have worked hard this year through my university to give women more accessibility to sport and general equality in their day-to-day lives. Through my hockey club, I organised fundraising events which gave all the proceeds (around £400) towards a local women’s charity which supports women and girls who have been domestically abused and struggle to get back to work. Although a small amount, I was proud of the number of women and men from many sports societies who came together to help bridge this gap. I hope to continue fundraising through sports on my year abroad and whether I play hockey or venture into football I want to keep promoting women in sport.
So, when asked who cares? I think of both of these opportunities to do more and how a small impact can make a big difference. I believe it only takes one to care and to make a difference, and I hope to continue this small impact in Madrid.
