Time to Act have recently launched their new campaign:

“Don’t Be a Shitty Committee”

It is aiming to tackle sexual violence, misconduct, and coercion across campus. The student-led organisation have been active for three years now, calling out the University and Students’ Union over their failures to protect women and students. In addition, they offer important advice and contacts regarding sexual violence, misconduct, abortion, and sexual health. Campaigning across the University, they have been an important voice for victims, also advocating for preventative measures. Some important achievements include a ban on staff-and-student relationships and the 28-day reporting period, allowing victims to speak up in their own time.

Their new campaign, aimed at student societies and sports teams, requires committees to make a pledge, ensuring “active bystandership, a culture of consent, and zero tolerance towards sexual violence and misogyny”. With societies and sports at the heart of student life in Cardiff, this integrates positive action throughout student communities, reinforcing a zero tolerance approach, and creating safe spaces. Founder of Time to Act, Becca, and head of campaigns, Rowan, have spoken about the importance of this pledge, stating it:

“Demonstrates solidarity between students against sexual misconduct, whilst creating community…”

which will hopefully have a long term impact in looking out for each other, and holding people accountable.” Since the pledge campaign was launched, and they called out the SU over their failure to “step up”, membership has quickly increased. This, in particular, highlights how their work has encouraged an increasing number of students to partake in active bystandership, and take a stand against violence and misconduct.

On social media, the pledge has really taken off, with over 100 societies and sports teams signing in solidarity as of the 5th of November. From being on Instagram myself, I have seen firsthand the overwhelmingly positive response the campaign has had. Rowan has said that this is significant as it demonstrates committees are being proactive, which is particularly encouraging and comforting for new students joining Cardiff.

Elise, President of JOMEC Netball expressed her pride in the campaign she played a role in initiating. Reflecting on her time as president so far, she shared that one of her priorities was joining Time to Act, an initiative she has supported since her first year. “I’m so happy that Rowan and I came up with this idea, which has really made a difference at Cardiff University”, she said, adding that she is equally proud that so many other societies have joined the movement, helping to create a culture that promotes safety, trust, and consent amongst members.

When asked about the role of the pledge in challenging sexual violence and misconduct, Elise explained that as a young woman in the society, she feels strongly about confronting sexual violence, not just against women, but against everyone.

“For me personally, seeing people speak up about their experiences really inspired me to speak about my own, which truly impacted my life in the best way.”

She emphasised that whether it’s something we have experienced or not, it’s so important to speak up. The success of the campaign so far has highlighted how student-led initiatives have the potential to create meaningful change, raising awareness, but also inspiring action amongst students. By standing together, Cardiff students are creating a culture where respect, safety, and consent are non-negotiable.