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Sophia Ashby

Sophia Ashby


Queer Dialogues: Manchester’s Sexuality Summer School

Queer Dialogues: Manchester’s Sexuality Summer School

The University of Manchester hosts the Sexuality Summer School: a five-day, city-wide, public conversation on gender, sexuality and culture open to all
Something smells fishy

Something smells fishy

How well do younger women really know their vaginas? According to a new study, the answer is less well than they think
Living on £20 a week: a guide

Living on £20 a week: a guide

Sophia Ashby challenges herself to live on £20 for a week, offering her experiences and advice in the process.
For the love of money

For the love of money

Sophia Ashby delves into the history of Valentine’s Day, because all relationships have complicated pasts.
A squeaky clean take on lifestyle influencers

A squeaky clean take on lifestyle influencers

Cleaning is the newest weapon in the battle against the highly filtered unreality of lifestyle influencers – Sophia Ashby discusses the success of ‘cleanfluencers’ in an age of materialism
Five hundred friends and no-one to talk to

Five hundred friends and no-one to talk to

It is no mystery that social media has shaped the way we interact. However, new studies have found that online platforms are contributing to relationships becoming increasingly superficial
In defence of the New Year’s resolution

In defence of the New Year’s resolution

Eva Gerretsen discusses why today’s youth are so opposed to New Year resolutions, and some alternatives that could help us to be less self-centred
A guide on choosing a student property and reporting issues

A guide on choosing a student property and reporting issues

In the midst of student house hunting season, Sophia Ashby takes a look at the do’s and don’ts of choosing a property.
Sexual harassment is epidemic in nightclubs

Sexual harassment is epidemic in nightclubs

A poll by The Mancunion revealed a startling lack of reporting of sexual assault
In conversation with: SHAG

In conversation with: SHAG

SHAG is a website and platform aimed at creating a safe space for sexual expression. It merges art with important conversations, increasing awareness of sexual experiences – both good and bad.
The faces behind the Misogyny Is Hate campaign

The faces behind the Misogyny Is Hate campaign

Sophia Ashby spoke to three students behind Misogyny Is Hate to understand their involvement and the challenges they have faced
Hair politics: reconfiguring beauty for black women

Hair politics: reconfiguring beauty for black women

Sophia Ashby spoke to Cara Thompson about hair politics, femininity and why only some afros are acceptable.
Capitalising on spiritual vulnerability

Capitalising on spiritual vulnerability

As with everything, spirituality is not immune from fashion trends. This year, there has been a sharp increase in the selling of books, films, and wearable items centred around witchcraft

How to help: Give time, not money

Sylvie Copley talks about The Big Change Society, and how students can help tackle the issue of homelessness while at University.
Homelessness: A personal account

Homelessness: A personal account

One year on from Manchester City Council’s revised vision on tackling homelessness, I asked if any productive changes been made. Sean Proudman, who has been homeless for four years, spoke about his experience of rough sleeping and the support he has received.
A positive look at promiscuity

A positive look at promiscuity

University is all about sex, but perhaps not in the way you may first think. We take a look at the sex-positive movements in Manchester expanding conversations and affecting change.