Finding Your Voice with St Andrews Women in Politics

It began with two students and a simple idea: to create a space where female voices would not be drowned out. Founded by Claire Waskow and Petra Pender, the Women in Politics Society at St Andrews began as a response to what they saw on the global stage. 

“We’d been talking about starting the group for a while,” Claire explains, “but after seeing the gendered language and misogyny surrounding Kamala Harris’s campaign, we felt an urgency to act. We wanted to turn frustration into action rather than inaction.”

That idea grew into a space where young women could discuss politics, share experiences, and grow professionally.

Confidence, Connection, and Career Growth

Instead of limiting discussion to political debate, Women in Politics takes a holistic approach. “It’s not just for women who want to be in professional politics,” Petra says. “It’s for anyone who wants a safe space to discuss women’s issues and things that impact women in the field.”

Through networking events, speaker panels, and mentorship programs, the society equips members with the skills and networks needed to make their mark professionally.

Recent events have included a CV and LinkedIn workshop, free headshots, and speaker sessions with women actively shaping policy. Their recent speaker event with Mags Hall, Head of Strategy for the Scottish Green MSPs, gave members a first-hand look at professional pathways within and beyond public political life.

“Even if you’re not planning to run for office,” Claire adds, “learning how to communicate and network are skills that apply across the board.”

Creating a Safe and Strategic Space

At its heart, the society is as much about belonging as it is about ambition. It offers a safe space for women to exchange ideas, share personal experiences, and discuss gendered barriers without judgment.

Instead of focusing solely on policies, the society encourages women to explore how political issues influence their opportunities, and daily realities.

That inclusivity has also led to innovative collaborations, such as a joint discussion with the Surgical Society on societal accommodation of menstrual pain. “Every issue is a political issue,” Petra adds, “and we want to make that visible.”

The WIP National Conference

This November, the society is taking its mission national with the first-ever Women in Politics (WIP) National Conference.

To be held on Saturday, 29th November in Edinburgh, the conference will connect Scottish, Northern English, and London-based universities through a series of live and broadcast panels. Beyond just a social event, it is a strong networking platform for women aspiring to build careers in politics, law, policy, or public affairs.

Speakers include Members of Parliament, local councillors, political strategists, and government lawyers, offering students the opportunity to engage with professionals across the political and civic spectrum.

And with free tickets available for WIP members through the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, the conference is the kind of event that can truly open doors.

Moving Forward

For Petra and Claire, the most rewarding part of leading the society has been witnessing its ripple effect, with Petra noting, “When people come up to us and say, ‘Why didn’t this exist sooner?’ It’s proof that women want spaces and communities like this.”

For Claire, it’s about mentorship. “I love helping younger students figure out where to start. I really enjoy being someone who they can ask every little question to. But I also learn from them and our discussions every day.”

The Women in Politics Society is more than a student society: it is a professional launchpad. It helps women find their goals, access mentors, and be a part of a community that is here to stay.

So whether you’re aiming for Parliament, policy, or the private sector, one thing is clear: The Women in Politics Society might just be where your future begins.

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