SPP Womxn's Network
Promoting and facilitating gender equality in public policy
Established in 2018, the School of Public Policy’s (SPP) Womxn’s Network is a student-run organisation focused on the advancement and empowerment of students within the SPP and broader LSE community who are marginalised by the intersectionalities of gender and/or sexuality.
The Network aims to further encourage the inclusion of marginalised voices within policymaking through various events and forums designed to promote learning and open discussion. Therefore, the Network’s primary goal remains understanding reasons for such policy gaps, promoting further representation within policymaking, and creating a safe space for such discussions to occur.
The Network strives to create an environment in which all students feel welcomed to join the conversation around improving policymaking for communities who are marginalised by the intersectionalities of gender and/or sexuality. The Network functions through three main pillars: Advocacy, Events, and Professional Development.
Through these pillars the Network encourages students and alumni to collaborate in discussing ways in which intersectional and inclusive policy can be further implemented and barriers within policy careers can be eradicated. Through events and engagement with practitioners, academics, and advocates, the Network amplifies innovators in gender-based policymaking and exposes students to the importance of this underrepresented area of public policy, as well as potential career opportunities.
Advocacy
Drives the network’s advocacy agenda by pressing for change on gender issues within the School of Public Policy, LSE community, and beyond. The objective of the Advocacy Committee is to challenge and change the political, economic, and social systems, institutions, and practices that create inequitable conditions for womxn and other marginalised populations.
Previous initiatives include:
- 2021-2022 Curriculum Inclusivity Report
- Reporting Resources Awareness
- Recommendations for Faculty Workshops & Student Training
- 2020-2021 Curriculum Inclusivity Report
- 2019 Gender Balance Report
Events
Organises and hosts events led by policy professionals, academics, practitioners, and students. The objective of the Events Committee is to enable learning, discussion, and action to address the challenges facing womxn personally and professionally both within the School of Public Policy and in the broader intersection between gender and policy.
Previous initiatives include:
- Hosting speaker discussions with Q&As Breakfast and Bias with Professor Rubio MarquezGender, Inclusivity and Policy panel with Dr. Hochstetler and Professor Rubio MarquezAllyship and Inclusivity workshop with Beyond Equality
- Hosting career panels and personal development events and trainings Women in Consulting Time Management workshop with the head of HKS Women's Network
- Providing tickets and access to global (virtual) conferences Women’s Economic Forum Global Conference
Professional Development
Provides opportunities for students from the School of Public Policy to build connections with and learn from SPP alumni, policy practitioners, academics, speakers, and fellow students. The objective of the Professional Development pillar is to advance gender balanced leadership both within the SPP as well as in professional settings by providing resources like mentoring and professional and interpersonal skills workshops. Our aim is to help womxn find solutions to barriers they may face professionally and ultimately support them in achieving their career goals.
Previous initiatives include:
- Annual mentorship program with SPP alumni and students
Terms of Reference
1. Purpose
1.1. To give space for the voices, concerns, and experiences of womxn at the School of Public Policy and beyond.
1.2. To ensure the previous, current, and future experiences of all womxn are integrated into policy design and practice in the School of Public Policy and beyond.
1.3. To ensure that policy debate and legislation within the School of Public Policy are not gender neutral and instead take a necessary intersectional and gendered perspective.
2. Membership
2.1. The Womxn’s Network holds open membership for students in the School of Public Policy and encourages all individuals to join and play an active role in the organisation.
2.2. It is expected that all members of The Womxn’s Network support the principles of inclusion, diversity, democracy, women’s rights, human rights, equality, and social and economic justice for all.
3. Function
3.1. To act as an independent forum for LSE students and staff to raise gender- and/or sexuality-specific matters for consideration.
3.2. To share information that represents womxn’s intersectional perspectives on political, social, economic, and cultural matters.
3.3. To influence School of Public Policy staff in building a more inclusive environment and curriculum that represents all womxn and their experiences.
3.4. To serve as a liaison between School of Public Policy staff and students on gender- and/or sexuality-specific initiatives, including complaints and situations of bias as they occur.
3.5. Committees
3.5.1. Advocacy: Drives the network’s advocacy agenda by pressing for change on gender issues within the School of Public Policy, LSE community, and beyond. The objective of the Advocacy Committee is to challenge and change the political, economic, and social systems, institutions, and practices that create inequitable conditions for womxn and other marginalised populations.
3.5.2. Professional Development: Provides opportunities for students from the School of Public Policy (SPP) to build connections with and learn from SPP alumni, policy practitioners, academics, speakers, and fellow students. The objective of the Professional Development pillar is to advance gender balanced leadership both within the SPP as well as in professional settings by providing resources like mentoring and professional and interpersonal skills workshops. Our aim is to help womxn find solutions to barriers they may face professionally and ultimately support them in achieving their career goals.
3.5.3. Events: Organises and hosts events led by policy professionals, academics, practitioners, and students. The objective of the Events Committee is to enable learning, discussion, and action to address the challenges facing womxn personally and professionally both within the School of Public Policy and in the broader intersection between gender, sexuality, and policy.
4. Organisational Structure
4.1 Commits to being non-hierarchical in structure and function, encouraging the free expression of thought and ideas.
The 2024–25 academic year was one of growth, visibility, and impact for the SPP Women’s Network Board. Among its most significant achievements was the release of the SPP Curriculum Report, the first since 2021. The report provided an in-depth review of the School of Public Policy’s courses and put forward clear recommendations on how diversity and inclusion could be further embedded within teaching and learning. By placing a spotlight on the curriculum, the board helped to spark conversations about representation and ensured that diversity remains at the heart of SPP’s academic agenda.
Another key success was the board’s proposal for SPP to provide free sanitary products for staff and students. With the support of the SPP EDI Committee, this recommendation was implemented and led to the installation of a dedicated kiosk on the 5th floor. This initiative addressed a practical need while also signalling SPP’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
The board also prioritised strengthening community and visibility. Highlights included the Women of Westminster walking tour, which celebrated women’s contributions to public life, and a lively panel event that created space for open discussion and knowledge sharing.
Together, these achievements demonstrate the Women’s Network Board’s ongoing commitment to driving meaningful cultural change within SPP and ensuring that its work brings tangible benefits to students, staff, and the wider LSE community.
Chair: Nethra Natarajan
Pronouns: She/Her
Nethra Natarajan is currently pursuing her MPA in the Data Sciences for Public Policy (DSPP) program. She is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and equity.
During her time at LSE, Nethra has been dedicated to institutional change. As a representative on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity Committee, she advocated for inclusive language training and gender sensitivity sessions for both students and faculty. She also collaborated with the previous Womxns Network committee to conduct data analysis for the curriculum diversity report, examining gender and ethnic representation across SPP courses to drive evidence-based improvements.
Beyond her advocacy work, Nethra has demonstrated leadership in peer learning initiatives, spearheading the "Breakfast and Learn" sessions for SPP students. These sessions create valuable opportunities for students to share career experiences and learn from one another's diverse professional journeys.
Currently, Nethra is working on an impactful research project focused on developing sustainable alternatives for Mexico's red brick industry, addressing both environmental concerns and child labor issues, reflecting her commitment to social justice on a global scale.
The Womxns Network events profoundly shaped Nethra's understanding of gender inclusivity, helping her recognize subtle biases and participate in enriching conversations about effective allyship. This transformative experience drives her vision as Chairperson: to create spaces where all students can engage in thought-provoking discussions, challenge assumptions, and develop as allies to gender inclusivity.
Nethra is excited to continue the Network's legacy while bringing fresh perspectives and organizing impactful events that foster learning, growth, and meaningful connections within the SPP community.
Please feel free to reach out to Nethra with any questions or concerns regarding Womxn’s network or life at LSE.
Head of Advocacy: Abhishek Sudke
Pronouns: He/Him
Abhishek Sudke is a second-year Master of Public Administration student at the LSE School of Public Policy and the David and Duncan Clark Scholar for 2024–26. At LSE, he co-founded the Marathi Society, a cultural club celebrating his regional indigenous language within the Students’ Union.
Abhishek brings extensive experience at the intersection of policy, development, and advocacy. As Policy and Partnerships Officer to India’s G20 Sherpa, he worked on the Indian presidency's priorities including climate resilience, global health, multilateral reforms, digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, and gender equality, contributing to the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. He has also worked with organisations such as PATH and ACCESS Health International on projects spanning respiratory care infrastructure, digital health, health financing, and systems strengthening across Asia and India. Earlier, he gained experience in transport, infrastructure financing, and sustainability at GVK EMRI and NITI Aayog, building on his academic foundation in automotive engineering.
Beyond his professional career, Abhishek is the founder of Project Statecraft, a youth-led think tank and non-profit that has engaged over 350 volunteers in research, advocacy, and experiential learning initiatives on governance and public policy. Through this platform, he has championed youth participation in policymaking and created innovative pathways to build 21st-century skills while contributing to social impact.
As Head of Advocacy for the Womxn’s Network at SPP, Abhishek aims to challenge patriarchal narratives in policy and governance by fostering inclusive dialogue and reshaping communication strategies. He is particularly focused on addressing the rise of conservative ideologies among young men, which he views as a growing social and political concern globally. He believes that building cross-gender and cross-stakeholder conversations is critical to advancing equity and inclusivity—and is committed to making the Womxn’s Network a platform for this change at LSE.
Please reach out to Abhishek in case of any changes or concerns regarding the same.
Head of Events: Anjali Seegobin
Pronouns: She/Her
Anjali is a first year on the Master of Public Administration Double Degree (Columbia) programme.
Head of Engagement: Khushi Shetty
Pronouns: She/Her
Khushi is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration, where she explores the intersections of governance, equity, and social impact. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Finance from Ashoka University, alongside a Postgraduate Diploma in Sociology and Anthropology.
Before joining LSE, Khushi worked as a Research Analyst at CSRBOX. She led and supported several need, baseline, and impact assessments across education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors. Her work combined data analysis, field coordination, and stakeholder engagement to inform more accountable CSR strategies. Her academic research reflects a deep commitment to inclusive and evidence-based policy. She examined the Impact of Heat Stress on Labourers in Delhi through empirical analysis and later conducted a qualitative study, Garbage (and) Governance, exploring lived inequalities near Delhi’s Bhalswa landfill.
As Head of Engagement, Khushi aims to build stronger interaction between the School of Public Policy and the critical issues that shape it. She is particularly committed to bringing gender and marginalized community perspectives into mainstream policy dialogue, ensuring they are seen not as niche concerns but as integral to effective policymaking. She believes that inclusive spaces emerge through open dialogue, thoughtful understanding, and collective effort.
Social Media Lead: Leyla Aghayeva
Pronouns: She/Her
Leyla Aghayeva is a second year MPA student, who is passionate about policymaking and advancing gender equity. Her choice to study an MPA reflects her dedication to exploring gender issues in Azerbaijan.
Leyla’s professional experience includes working as a Social Media Manager for a local Azerbaijani brand, where she created impactful campaigns to build engagement. She also contributed to Public Affairs’ department as a Communications Intern at BP and further developed her expertise in SMM while working in the Public Diplomacy department at the U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan. These roles have equipped Leyla with strong skills in communication, strategy, and community building.
As the Social Media Lead for the Womxn’s Network, Leyla aims to create engaging digital content to reflect the Network’s initiatives. She will focus on promoting events, sharing inspiring stories, and fostering meaningful engagement within the community.
Please feel free to reach out to Leyla with any questions or concerns regarding Womxn’s network or life at LSE.
The Womxn’s Network welcomes the opportunity to work with partners on new projects, including advocacy, events, or professional development initiatives, as well as opportunities outside of these pillars (e.g., research, consultancy work).
To get in touch about partnering with the Womxn’s Network, please reach out to spp.womxns.network@lse.ac.uk.
Current partners include:
- Women's Forum for the Economy & Society
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact us via email: spp.womxns.network@lse.ac.uk