Megan Harley-Martin
Nominee Profile
Location: Oxford
Megan is a current student at Oxford University studying for a Master's in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, specialising in Feminist Philosophy. Her devotion to gender issues spans academic pursuits and charities organising, and in doing so has demonstrated the power of visibility.
Megan is constantly looked to as a role model in the gender space – especially for those in other marginalised communities, like disabled and queer individuals. As a Type 1 diabetic, Megan works with disability groups like the Disabled Leaders Network and Breakthrough T1D. For girls in particular, managing a chronic illness can deeply affect self-image and confidence—Megan models what it looks like to live boldly and visibly with Type 1. Too often, chronic illnesses are seen as private struggles, or worse, as liabilities.
In terms of queer rights, Megan worked as an LGBTQ+ rep for the Oxford Student Union, managed the Gender Expression Fund and organised a concert in aid of Oxford Pride entitled Funk The Patriarchy. Megan acts as representation, not just in leadership but in daily life—in classrooms, in boardrooms, and on public stages.
Megan’s experience in gender-based charities is extensive, having created campaigns for InspiringGirls Int., Oxford Pride and Sing Inside, to name a few. As President of the Oxford Belles, Megan created a single and music video in aid of InspiringGirls Int.. Megan organised workshops in girls’ schools, designed to encourage young women to lift their voices and to take up space unapologetically. She has been interviewed on BBC Radio and International Podcasts to discuss gender issues and the use of music as a tool for gender advocacy.
Megan is a role model particularly for young women navigating intersectional challenges; her success reinforces that your identity need not be hidden or limiting. Megan not only speaks on gender issues, but lives them, challenges them, and works every day to reshape the systems upholding them.
Megan is constantly looked to as a role model in the gender space – especially for those in other marginalised communities, like disabled and queer individuals. As a Type 1 diabetic, Megan works with disability groups like the Disabled Leaders Network and Breakthrough T1D. For girls in particular, managing a chronic illness can deeply affect self-image and confidence—Megan models what it looks like to live boldly and visibly with Type 1. Too often, chronic illnesses are seen as private struggles, or worse, as liabilities.
In terms of queer rights, Megan worked as an LGBTQ+ rep for the Oxford Student Union, managed the Gender Expression Fund and organised a concert in aid of Oxford Pride entitled Funk The Patriarchy. Megan acts as representation, not just in leadership but in daily life—in classrooms, in boardrooms, and on public stages.
Megan’s experience in gender-based charities is extensive, having created campaigns for InspiringGirls Int., Oxford Pride and Sing Inside, to name a few. As President of the Oxford Belles, Megan created a single and music video in aid of InspiringGirls Int.. Megan organised workshops in girls’ schools, designed to encourage young women to lift their voices and to take up space unapologetically. She has been interviewed on BBC Radio and International Podcasts to discuss gender issues and the use of music as a tool for gender advocacy.
Megan is a role model particularly for young women navigating intersectional challenges; her success reinforces that your identity need not be hidden or limiting. Megan not only speaks on gender issues, but lives them, challenges them, and works every day to reshape the systems upholding them.