MSU VP for Welfare and Equality 2024/25: Meet your candidate

BAISAT ALAWIYE

Q: What year are you currently in, and what course are you studying?

A: I’m currently doing a Master’s in order to become a Primary School teacher.

Q: What inspired you to run for elections?

A: I’ve been in Maynooth for 5 years now and after seeing just how it’s been progressing; it does need people who are different and have different ideas being pumped into the union. I’m also very passionate about social justice, so I think I would be suited for the role of VP of Welfare and Equality. I believe I have the expertise and experience to work in those two areas. I also love people and the idea of equality amongst a community.

Q: I have noticed you are the only candidate for this position. Do you think this role comes with greater pressure and responsibility than others, and that might discourage students from standing as candidate? 

A: I definitely think it is a very heavy role. There’s a lot to it and it’s very multidimensional. Welfare alone includes mental, physical and sexual health. Equality too take so many forms, such as racial, gender or religious equality. That could be part of the reason why people feel like they wouldn’t want to run for that position. One of the common misconceptions I’d like to address is that people feel like they need to be part of a minority in order to advocate for equality. While it is helpful, because it gives a unique perspective, it isn’t necessarily the case. What this role really requires, is someone willing to listen to points of views different from their own and, most importantly, be a caring person, like the past VPs for Welfare and Equality have been.  

Q: How would you make a change in Maynooth as VP of Equality and Welfare? 

A: One of the things I would like to do is empower minorities. I feel like issues concerning minorities are overlooked and not as easy to recognise. I definitely would want to work with different societies, such as the Afro Society and the Islamic Society, just to discuss issues that may have been affecting them, but they were not able to speak about because they feared they wouldn’t be understood.  

I also plan to increase student activism. This year alone there have been several issues that many students felt the need to protest against. In my opinion, it’s so important that the Student Union facilitates this, whether it is by protesting themselves, bringing in different speakers, or raising awareness on social media. Another way to encourage activism on campus is by improving the way voting happens in Maynooth, educating students on the importance to register and how to do so. 

Finally, I would love to inform students about the mental health supports offered on campus. In my opinion, students aren’t really aware of what services are available to them (for free or not) if they do need the help. I would also work on a “Find a Friend” initiative. Since I know it can be really hard to make friends, it would be great to organise activities where people could find others that are in the same boat as them. 

Q: Are you involved in any club or society here on campus? 

A: I haven’t been able to be actively part of clubs and societies because of my busy full-time schedule with masters. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity of being the event officer and PRO for the Islamic society for two years back in 2019-2021. I am currently the Froebel Senator. 

Q: Who would you say is your biggest role model? 

A: I don’t have a particular role model. I think that my goals, my passions and my religion are definitely affected by the people I surround myself with, such as my friends and the activism I see online. So I wouldn't say I had a specific idol, but those type of influences have really helped me shape who I am today. 

Q: How would you describe yourself using one to five words? 

A: Passionate, enthusiastic, caring, determined and focused. 

Q: Does your campaign have a motto? If not, do you have a quote that represents you? 

A: I actually have both. My campaign motto is: “amplifying all the voices of Maynooth University”. My favourite quote is “be the change you want to see in the world”.