Making the world of work a better place for everyone: Update from the Trades Union Congress Women’s Conference

Lamiya Khokon, radiography and oncology student, Sheffield Hallam University

Lamiya Khokon, radiography and oncology student, Sheffield Hallam University

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Women’s Conference is a yearly event that brings women from different walks of life and unions together. The conference aims to discuss and debate affairs that influence women in the workplace and in wider society. The TUC exists to make the world of work a better place for everyone by advocating for workers’ rights, equality, inclusion and fairness.

For me, the conference was an opportunity not only to learn from others but also to make sure that radiographers' voices are heard. It fortifies the fact that a collective voice through unions can make impactful and lasting change, especially when it relates to preserving workers’ rights and ensuring safer and more inclusive workplaces.

I am currently a final year radiotherapy and oncology student at Sheffield Hallam University. Alongside my studies, I am also part of the Society of Radiographers’ Equalise Women’s and Race Equality Network, I am a student adviser at Rad Chat and I serve the charity Radiotherapy UK as an ambassador.

Recently, I was awarded the Yorkshire and North Trent Learner of the Year 2025, which was a notable moment in my academic and professional journey so far. Acknowledgements like this have inspired me to continue to push for excellence, both in my academic and professional life.

Attending this year’s TUC Women’s Conference has marked another significant achievement for me. This was my first time representing the SoR as a delegate lead. It was also my first time speaking at a national conference. Being entrusted with that responsibility is something I am very proud of, and it positively pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Lamiya moving the motion on how to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace

An ongoing problem in healthcare

One of the main reasons I attended this conference was to shed light on the sexual harassment suffered by radiographers, including students on placements. While over the years incredible advances have been made on this front, it is still a deeply worrying issue across the healthcare sector. It is also a complicated issue for radiographers, especially diagnostic radiographers, as they often work solo in clinical settings, leaving them vulnerable to sexual harassment. By contributing to the debates and discussions at the conference, I wanted to reinforce that this is a systemic problem that necessitates collective action.

Another objective of mine was to challenge myself to do something I have never done: public speaking. It is a skill that I have always wanted to develop, particularly because my career ambitions are within advocacy and leadership. Speaking at this national-level congress was an essential first step in improving those skills and achieving my career goals.

Protecting healthcare workers

Many moments at the conference stood out as highlights. The most significant of those for me was presenting at the event. Standing up and delivering a speech in a room full of veteran professionals from all walks of life was initially nerve-wracking. However, once I started speaking, I was able to deliver my speech clearly and confidently without getting nervous, which I am incredibly proud of. This experience made me realise my passion for advocacy coupled with public speaking, and that is something I could perhaps pursue in the future.

Another key memory from the conference was hearing my colleague, Alyssa Walker, deliver a powerful and inspiring talk on protecting healthcare workers from harassment and abuse. Her contribution added real depth to the discussions happening and reinforced the importance of having a voice that advocates for change for the better.

The opportunity to liaise with delegates from other unions, alongside the deputy delegate, Shannon Best, was another highlight. As part of the congress, it was necessary for us to collaborate with other unions, such as the National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers and Unite, to obtain support for our motion. Building these relationships and discussing concerns relating to women’s safety and the workplace was both interesting and empowering. These discussions highlight the unfortunate reality that many professions face similar challenges under different contexts.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of the conference was meeting and networking with so many extraordinary women with different backgrounds and from different professions. Listening to their stories and experiences was heartbreaking, motivating and humbling, all at the same time. I was also fortunate enough to meet other incredible radiographers at different stages of their careers, including Zainab Shah and Juliet Anyanwu, all of whom gave me insights into the different paths available within the profession.

Alyssa Walker seconding the motion on protecting healthcare workers from harassment and abuse

A group picture of the SoR delegation to the TUC Women's Conference

Don’t be a bystander

A key message I took away from the conference is this: do not be a bystander – speak out and support one another. No one should feel alienated or secluded when facing challenges such as sexual harassment. Remember that ‘silence protects the perpetrators, not the victims’.

Another message I would like to share is that no matter how early you are in your career, either as a student or a newly qualified radiographer, try to get involved in union activities and conferences like this one. Not only can these experiences help you professionally, but getting involved in important issues such as this one will have a ripple effect within society for the better. Remember that we are the voices of tomorrow.

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