Women@Cardiff – Law academics recognised by peers for photographic exhibition

Two Law academics have been chosen as subjects for a new photography exhibition which will showcase a range of remarkable women who contribute to life at Cardiff University.

Law lecturers Ambreena Manji and Cathy Cobley are two of just 12 women selected to be part of the Women@Cardiff photography exhibition which was announced on this year’s International Women’s Day, 8 March 2017.

The photography exhibition seeks to celebrate outstanding female members of staff, both in professional services and academia, who make a significant contribution to life at the University.

Staff were asked to nominate a current or retired member of female staff who fitted the bill and a judging panel shortlisted a smaller group in order for a final vote to be taken.

Each member of staff selected by the committee has now been photographed, ready for a formal launch of the initiative.

Ambreena and Cathy were nominated by their peers for a number of reasons. Senior lecturer, Cathy’s nomination detailed that, “her contribution to the School, Cardiff University and the broader Welsh legal community has been immense.” She was described as “an example not just of a remarkable colleague but as an endorsement of the opportunities that the University can give” while Law Professor, Ambreena was described as the embodiment of “the University's commitment to diversity, global citizenship, intellectual honesty and inspiration.” Those who nominated her hoped that their recognition of her work would “inspire others”.

Talking of her involvement in the initiative Ambreena said, “Although the portraits are of individual women, what really counts is our collective feminist practice as women in the School of Law and Politics. It is a privilege to work with women whose commitment to outstanding scholarship and engaged legal education I admire. I learn from them every day.”

Cathy added that she was “honoured to be nominated to take part in the Women@Cardiff initiative”. She said that, “Since joining the university more than 30 years ago as an undergraduate student I have been taught by, and subsequently worked with, numerous incredible colleagues and I have seen the tremendous contribution that my female colleagues have made to ensuring that the student experience at Cardiff is second to none. Unfortunately such contribution frequently goes unnoticed, which is why the Women@Cardiff initiative is such a positive step. Having studied for my Initial degree as a mature student with young children, I have always been very conscious of the challenges faced by many of our students in pursuing a university education and I have always tried to reflect this in my work as an admissions tutor. I hope I have acted as a positive role model over the years - it has certainly been a wonderful experience to nurture and support so many students through their studies and watch them flourish as individuals.”

The Women@Cardiff photography exhibition will be officially launched in April with an exhibition in the VJ Gallery, Main Building. Following this, the exhibition will be displayed in various locations across campus.