Returning to ASRA: Sharing Emily’s Story and Empowering Change

By Jordan Meates • 27 March 2026

For the third consecutive year, Kara from EmilyTest joins ASRA to share the story of Emily Drouet and the organisation’s ongoing work tackling gender-based violence (GBV).

The ASRA Conference provides an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, share insights, and explore practical approaches to preventing GBV and supporting safer, more inclusive campus communities.

Kara Stewart

Training & Project Development Manager, EmilyTest

Kara Stewart

Training & Project Development Manager, EmilyTest

https://www.emilytest.org/

Kara's Blog

I’m thrilled to be returning to the ASRA Conference for a third year. Each time I attend, the event is not only engaging but genuinely enjoyable, striking the perfect balance between meaningful networking and rich learning opportunities over the conference days. The fact that EmilyTest has been invited back for three consecutive years is a testament to the ASRA team’s dedication to tackling gender-based violence (GBV), a cause we are deeply committed to and grateful to see so prominently on the agenda.

At this year’s conference, I’ll be leading the Aware & Empowered session. Delegates can expect to hear Emily’s story and explore the wider implications of GBV. The session is designed to empower participants to actively contribute to preventing GBV and reshaping the culture around it within their institutions. Over three hours, attendees will engage in a mixture of discussion, activities, and self-reflection, offering practical insights alongside space to think critically about their own roles in fostering safer environments.

Since ASRA Conference 2025, EmilyTest has continued to grow and evolve. In Autumn 2025, we launched the EmilyTest Network, bringing together colleges and universities across the UK and Ireland. This network offers institutions a way to access resources, share learning, and connect with others committed to GBV prevention, intervention, and support. Members benefit from an online library of tools, Network and Collaboration Workshops, specialist learning sessions, and discounts for training and conference tickets, becoming part of a growing movement for change.

We also concluded our Charter Pilot with five English universities to adapt our framework for the English context. Applications to the Charter will open to all universities in England in May 2026. Additionally, we have developed and launched a new induction module for students, designed to provide foundational knowledge and support around GBV - further information is available on our website.

EmilyTest continues to deliver training for accommodation providers across the sector, focusing on recognising and responding to GBV. We are always happy to discuss training programmes tailored to your staff, sites, and residents.

Returning to ASRA is an opportunity not only to share Emily’s story but to connect with delegates who are equally committed to driving change. We look forward to seeing many of you in the session, exploring ways we can collectively empower institutions to take meaningful action against GBV.