You can now find us at:
http://britishwomenarchaeologists.ning.com/profiles/blog/list
The new site has more features, including an online forum.
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Friday, 20 November 2009
WES survey on Personal Protective Equipment: the chance to have your say on safety gear
The Women's Engineering Society (http://www.wes.org.uk/) have launched a cross-sector survey for women working in science, engineering, technological and construction industries about their experiences of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This from the IFA website:
“Anecdotal reports abound of women carrying multiple pairs of socks on site visits to make too-big boots fit and of having to fight flapping jacket sleeves to use a camera” said Jan Peters, president of the Women’s Engineering Society . “We want to find out just how widespread the problems are so that we can team up with manufacturers to produce well-fitting clothing”.
Women in Property (WIP) national chairman, Joanna Embling, comments “Although the TUC have debated whether women should have to wear high heels as part of work dress codes on health and safety grounds, they have not considered the safety issues involved when women are required to use work clothing provided by employers that is simply too big. There is far too much potential for accidents on construction sites through women tripping over their newly acquired size 10 feet. Women are highly qualified professionals who, not unreasonably, want to work under the same conditions as their male counterparts. Where safety clothing is concerned, they are at a distinct disadvantage.”
“This is a serious issue” says Niki Luscombe, CEO of Women and Manual Trades, “Safety clothing should be just that – clothing that helps workers to stay safe on construction sites. Instead, for many women it is something that can make them work less efficiently, and in some cases, actually compromise their safety”.
Women and Manual Trades (WAMT), the Association of Women in Property (WIP) and now the BWA are inviting women to fill in a short survey and contribute their stories.
If a number of archaeologists complete the survey, perhaps our needs will be heard and it could help to make a difference. The survey provides opportunity to list archaeology as your profession (under other - specified), and also to note your British Women Archaeologists membership/affiliation.
Fill in the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=D1gwLY_2bFZqi8SaaKSbJwDQ_3d_3d
“Anecdotal reports abound of women carrying multiple pairs of socks on site visits to make too-big boots fit and of having to fight flapping jacket sleeves to use a camera” said Jan Peters, president of the Women’s Engineering Society . “We want to find out just how widespread the problems are so that we can team up with manufacturers to produce well-fitting clothing”.
Women in Property (WIP) national chairman, Joanna Embling, comments “Although the TUC have debated whether women should have to wear high heels as part of work dress codes on health and safety grounds, they have not considered the safety issues involved when women are required to use work clothing provided by employers that is simply too big. There is far too much potential for accidents on construction sites through women tripping over their newly acquired size 10 feet. Women are highly qualified professionals who, not unreasonably, want to work under the same conditions as their male counterparts. Where safety clothing is concerned, they are at a distinct disadvantage.”
“This is a serious issue” says Niki Luscombe, CEO of Women and Manual Trades, “Safety clothing should be just that – clothing that helps workers to stay safe on construction sites. Instead, for many women it is something that can make them work less efficiently, and in some cases, actually compromise their safety”.
Women and Manual Trades (WAMT), the Association of Women in Property (WIP) and now the BWA are inviting women to fill in a short survey and contribute their stories.
If a number of archaeologists complete the survey, perhaps our needs will be heard and it could help to make a difference. The survey provides opportunity to list archaeology as your profession (under other - specified), and also to note your British Women Archaeologists membership/affiliation.
Fill in the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=D1gwLY_2bFZqi8SaaKSbJwDQ_3d_3d
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Male doctors earn £15,000 a year more than women, study reveals (Guardian 10/11/09)
The BMA's report is the first to investigate differences in doctors' salaries.
Female doctors working in the NHS are paid thousands of pounds a year less than their male colleagues as a result of widespread discrimination and a "hostile culture" at work, a study reveals.
There is an average salary gap of £15,245 between men and women among the UK's 135,000 medics, according to a report by the British Medical Association. After excluding differences owing to age, experience and area of specialism, the study found that female consultants typically earn £5,500 less than their male peers and female junior doctors' pay is around £2,000 below that of their male counterparts. The research, to be published on Friday, is the first to investigate differences in doctors' salaries.
"Our results show that men and women with identical experience and expertise are paid differently – which suggests evidence of discrimination," concludes the report, which has been funded by the BMA, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Imperial College London and the Medical Women's Federation.
The study examined the pay of 1,015 doctors working for the NHS, in medical research at academic institutions, and for organisations such as private healthcare providers. While part of the pay gap is due to age and experience, between 40% and 50% of the difference is caused by discrimination, the study found.
One of the report's authors, Dr Anita Holdcroft, emeritus professor of anaesthesia at Imperial, accused male NHS managers of taking advantage of the poor negotiating power of women. Referring to what the report describes as a "hostile culture", she gave the example of women with children who have limited room to manoeuvre because managers know they are unlikely to uproot their family and move elsewhere. By contrast, men can win pay rises by threatening to leave.
"The man will often recognise the weakness of the woman's negotiating position because she has children and so can't move," she said. "Discrimination is the only way that we can explain the gender pay gap."
Among Britain's 40,521 consultants, men on average earn £13,729 more than similarly successful female colleagues. That pay gap worsens the longer a female consultant has worked. Although more female than male consultants earn between £62,500 and £95,000, more men than women have salaries between £110,000 and £190,000.
While women are less likely to hold high-level positions or be as involved in professional organisations, this explains only about 59% of the gap. "The remainder is due to differences in treatment for the same characteristics," the report says.
Dr Helen Goodyear, a consultant paediatrician at Heartlands hospital in Birmingham and president of the Medical Women's Federation, said: "It's endemic in the NHS – women not being paid the same as similarly experienced, similarly talented male counterparts."
The authors say their findings, coupled with the gender equality duty introduced in 2007, should prompt bodies that employ doctors to undertake salary reviews or more wide-ranging pay audits.
NHS Employers, which employs the NHS's 1.4m staff in England, said gender pay gaps were an important issue, but declined to comment on the report. The Department of Health said male and female doctors should be paid equally.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2009
Female doctors working in the NHS are paid thousands of pounds a year less than their male colleagues as a result of widespread discrimination and a "hostile culture" at work, a study reveals.
There is an average salary gap of £15,245 between men and women among the UK's 135,000 medics, according to a report by the British Medical Association. After excluding differences owing to age, experience and area of specialism, the study found that female consultants typically earn £5,500 less than their male peers and female junior doctors' pay is around £2,000 below that of their male counterparts. The research, to be published on Friday, is the first to investigate differences in doctors' salaries.
"Our results show that men and women with identical experience and expertise are paid differently – which suggests evidence of discrimination," concludes the report, which has been funded by the BMA, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Imperial College London and the Medical Women's Federation.
The study examined the pay of 1,015 doctors working for the NHS, in medical research at academic institutions, and for organisations such as private healthcare providers. While part of the pay gap is due to age and experience, between 40% and 50% of the difference is caused by discrimination, the study found.
One of the report's authors, Dr Anita Holdcroft, emeritus professor of anaesthesia at Imperial, accused male NHS managers of taking advantage of the poor negotiating power of women. Referring to what the report describes as a "hostile culture", she gave the example of women with children who have limited room to manoeuvre because managers know they are unlikely to uproot their family and move elsewhere. By contrast, men can win pay rises by threatening to leave.
"The man will often recognise the weakness of the woman's negotiating position because she has children and so can't move," she said. "Discrimination is the only way that we can explain the gender pay gap."
Among Britain's 40,521 consultants, men on average earn £13,729 more than similarly successful female colleagues. That pay gap worsens the longer a female consultant has worked. Although more female than male consultants earn between £62,500 and £95,000, more men than women have salaries between £110,000 and £190,000.
While women are less likely to hold high-level positions or be as involved in professional organisations, this explains only about 59% of the gap. "The remainder is due to differences in treatment for the same characteristics," the report says.
Dr Helen Goodyear, a consultant paediatrician at Heartlands hospital in Birmingham and president of the Medical Women's Federation, said: "It's endemic in the NHS – women not being paid the same as similarly experienced, similarly talented male counterparts."
The authors say their findings, coupled with the gender equality duty introduced in 2007, should prompt bodies that employ doctors to undertake salary reviews or more wide-ranging pay audits.
NHS Employers, which employs the NHS's 1.4m staff in England, said gender pay gaps were an important issue, but declined to comment on the report. The Department of Health said male and female doctors should be paid equally.
guardian.co.uk © Guardian News and Media Limited 2009
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
Who needs childcare?
Labour plans to scrap the childcare voucher scheme from 2011 replacing it with 10 free days of childcare for 2 year-olds (great if your child is 2, and you only work 10 days of the year..)
With typical childcare costs at £38/day (£760 pcm), this scheme really enabled working mums the opportunity to go back to work:
I am horrified at this prospect. It took me all the will power in the world to return to work, when so many others around me haven't. The childcare vouchers have made a serious impact on my decision.
I work full time, as well as my husband. If we loose this benefit - then we would have to consider again.
This is terrible news and is another way to push us in to giving up work all together!
Sally Doe
More comments re. impact on working families: http://www.computersharevoucherservices.com/save-childcare-vouchers/Pages/parents.aspx
Sign the 69k-strong petition here: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/keepvouchers/
Campaign materials for your uni/workplace: http://www.computersharevoucherservices.com/save-childcare-vouchers/Pages/order-campaign-posters.aspx
With typical childcare costs at £38/day (£760 pcm), this scheme really enabled working mums the opportunity to go back to work:
I am horrified at this prospect. It took me all the will power in the world to return to work, when so many others around me haven't. The childcare vouchers have made a serious impact on my decision.
I work full time, as well as my husband. If we loose this benefit - then we would have to consider again.
This is terrible news and is another way to push us in to giving up work all together!
Sally Doe
More comments re. impact on working families: http://www.computersharevoucherservices.com/save-childcare-vouchers/Pages/parents.aspx
Sign the 69k-strong petition here: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/keepvouchers/
Campaign materials for your uni/workplace: http://www.computersharevoucherservices.com/save-childcare-vouchers/Pages/order-campaign-posters.aspx
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
30th October is Equal Pay Day
Nearly 40 years since the Equal Pay Act of 1970, women working full-time across the UK still earn on average 17% less an hour than men working full-time.
30th October is effectively the day that British women receive their last payslip of the year, because the 17.1% full-time pay gap is equivalent to men being paid all year round, while women work for free after 30th October..
Get involved! Get equality!
http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=23
30th October is effectively the day that British women receive their last payslip of the year, because the 17.1% full-time pay gap is equivalent to men being paid all year round, while women work for free after 30th October..
Get involved! Get equality!
http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=23
Government response re. Ofsted's threat to prosecute women indulging in reciprocal childcare (following a 20,000 signature petition):
The Childcare Act 2006 requires anyone providing ‘childcare for reward’ to register with Ofsted, with the aim of ensuring every child in a commercial childcare service is safe and well cared for. Parents would expect no less. However, our intention has always been that friends and families caring for children through informal arrangements should be exempt from having to register and we believed that was what always happened. In the light of this recent case we are talking to Ofsted about how we can make sure there’s a shared understanding with Ofsted, and with parents, of what the law means and how it should interpreted.
Since 1997 we have invested £25bn in childcare and early years services, doubling the number of childcare places available for children under 8 to support working families and providing more support than ever before with childcare costs, with over £3.8 million a day going directly into parents hands to help pay for childcare through tax credits.
Since 1997 we have invested £25bn in childcare and early years services, doubling the number of childcare places available for children under 8 to support working families and providing more support than ever before with childcare costs, with over £3.8 million a day going directly into parents hands to help pay for childcare through tax credits.
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
BBC news: Review of babysitting ban ordered
England's Children's Minister wants a review of the case of two police officers told they were breaking the law, caring for each other's children.
Ofsted said the arrangement contravened the Childcare Act because it lasted for longer than two hours a day, and constituted receiving "a reward". It said the women would have to be registered as childminders.
Minister Vernon Coaker said his department was talking to Ofsted about this particular case. The two detective constables, Leanne Shepherd, from Milton Keynes, and Lucy Jarrett, from Buckingham, told the BBC how Ofsted insisted they end their arrangement.
'Shocked'
Ms Shepherd, who serves with Thames Valley Police, recalled: "A lady came to the front door and she identified herself as being from Ofsted. She said a complaint had been made that I was illegally childminding. "I was just shocked - I thought they were a bit confused about the arrangement between us. So I invited her in and told her situation - the arrangement between Lucy and I - and I was shocked when she told me I was breaking the law. Reward is not just a case of money changing hands. The supply of services or goods and, in some circumstances, reciprocal arrangements can also constitute reward”.
Ms Jarrett added: "Our children were never in any harm, they were never in any danger. To think that they would waste their time and effort on innocent people who are trying to provide for their families by returning to the workplace... Surely their time and effort would be better placed elsewhere."
Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the pair had its "full support". Secretary Andy Viney said: "Both of them are experienced professional officers. "They just want to return to work after having children and have found that the system is working totally against them. "They've been threatened with prosecution by Ofsted if they continue doing this."
An Ofsted spokesman said it applied regulations found in the Childcare Act 2006, but was currently discussing the interpretation of the word "reward" with the department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). "Reward is not just a case of money changing hands. The supply of services or goods and, in some circumstances, reciprocal arrangements can also constitute reward. Generally, mothers who look after each other's children are not providing childminding for which registration is required, as exemptions apply to them, for example because the care is for less than two hours or it takes place on less than 14 days in a year. Where such arrangements are regular and for longer periods, then registration is usually required. Close relatives of children, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles, were exempt from the rules" he added.
Ofsted only operates in England, so this interpretation of the law on child care for "reward" applies to England rather than elsewhere in the UK.
Michelle Elliott, director of the children's charity Kidscape, told the BBC's Breakfast programme that the decision defied common sense and would impose extra childcare costs on families. She added: "These children were looked after in a secure environment with people that they knew. There must be thousands of people out there who are doing the same thing who are now going to think: 'Do I have to spend £300 a week or whatever it is?'" HAVE YOUR SAY This case highlights a total disconnect between the lawmakers of this country and what is custom and practice nationwide David Campbell, Cheshire
Minister for Children, Schools and Families Vernon Coaker insisted the Childcare Act 2006 was in place "to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children" but the government needed to make sure it did not "penalise hard-working families". "My department is speaking to Ofsted about the interpretation of the word 'reward' in this particular case," he said.
A petition to scrap the rules governing reciprocal child care on the Number 10 website had gathered more than 5,300 signatures by 0530 BST on Monday.
Anyone required to register to become a childminder would also have to undergo a criminal records check.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk/8277378.stm
Published: 2009/09/28 06:32:06 GMT
© BBC MMIX
Sign the 15,000-strong petition here:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/reciprocalcc/
Ofsted said the arrangement contravened the Childcare Act because it lasted for longer than two hours a day, and constituted receiving "a reward". It said the women would have to be registered as childminders.
Minister Vernon Coaker said his department was talking to Ofsted about this particular case. The two detective constables, Leanne Shepherd, from Milton Keynes, and Lucy Jarrett, from Buckingham, told the BBC how Ofsted insisted they end their arrangement.
'Shocked'
Ms Shepherd, who serves with Thames Valley Police, recalled: "A lady came to the front door and she identified herself as being from Ofsted. She said a complaint had been made that I was illegally childminding. "I was just shocked - I thought they were a bit confused about the arrangement between us. So I invited her in and told her situation - the arrangement between Lucy and I - and I was shocked when she told me I was breaking the law. Reward is not just a case of money changing hands. The supply of services or goods and, in some circumstances, reciprocal arrangements can also constitute reward”.
Ms Jarrett added: "Our children were never in any harm, they were never in any danger. To think that they would waste their time and effort on innocent people who are trying to provide for their families by returning to the workplace... Surely their time and effort would be better placed elsewhere."
Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the pair had its "full support". Secretary Andy Viney said: "Both of them are experienced professional officers. "They just want to return to work after having children and have found that the system is working totally against them. "They've been threatened with prosecution by Ofsted if they continue doing this."
An Ofsted spokesman said it applied regulations found in the Childcare Act 2006, but was currently discussing the interpretation of the word "reward" with the department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). "Reward is not just a case of money changing hands. The supply of services or goods and, in some circumstances, reciprocal arrangements can also constitute reward. Generally, mothers who look after each other's children are not providing childminding for which registration is required, as exemptions apply to them, for example because the care is for less than two hours or it takes place on less than 14 days in a year. Where such arrangements are regular and for longer periods, then registration is usually required. Close relatives of children, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts or uncles, were exempt from the rules" he added.
Ofsted only operates in England, so this interpretation of the law on child care for "reward" applies to England rather than elsewhere in the UK.
Michelle Elliott, director of the children's charity Kidscape, told the BBC's Breakfast programme that the decision defied common sense and would impose extra childcare costs on families. She added: "These children were looked after in a secure environment with people that they knew. There must be thousands of people out there who are doing the same thing who are now going to think: 'Do I have to spend £300 a week or whatever it is?'" HAVE YOUR SAY This case highlights a total disconnect between the lawmakers of this country and what is custom and practice nationwide David Campbell, Cheshire
Minister for Children, Schools and Families Vernon Coaker insisted the Childcare Act 2006 was in place "to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children" but the government needed to make sure it did not "penalise hard-working families". "My department is speaking to Ofsted about the interpretation of the word 'reward' in this particular case," he said.
A petition to scrap the rules governing reciprocal child care on the Number 10 website had gathered more than 5,300 signatures by 0530 BST on Monday.
Anyone required to register to become a childminder would also have to undergo a criminal records check.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/uk/8277378.stm
Published: 2009/09/28 06:32:06 GMT
© BBC MMIX
Sign the 15,000-strong petition here:
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/reciprocalcc/
Friday, 25 September 2009
Guardian: University vice-chancellor considers female students a 'perk' of the job.
Buckingham University vice-chancellor defends remarks over female studentsDr Terence Kealey releases statement insisting that his article on Times Higher Education website was 'highly moral'
A university vice-chancellor was forced to defend himself tonight after writing an article which suggested female students were a "perk" to be enjoyed by lecturers.
Dr Terence Kealey, from Buckingham University, wrote on the Times Higher Education website last week, saying lecturers were aware of females who flaunted "their curves". The National Union of Students said it displayed an "astounding lack of respect for women".
Kealey released a statement today insisting that his article was "highly moral", and that its purpose had been to point out the inappropriateness of staff-student relationships. "It says that sex between middle-aged academics and young undergraduates is wrong," he said. "The crudeness of some of the examples was to underpin the inappropriateness of transgressional sex and that is a conventional literary device.
"Sex between staff and students is not funny and is not a legitimate source of humour but it is legitimate to use humour to illuminate the ways that people finesse the dissonance between what is publicly acceptable and what is sometimes privately desired."
The piece which has caused offence was a contribution by Kealey to an article headlined "The seven deadly sins of the academy", in which various academics gave advice on how fellow lecturers should conduct themselves.
He wrote 500 words on "Lust", where he pondered why universities "pullulate with transgressive intercourse", between "male scholars and female acolytes". Kealey, who studied at Oxford and has lectured at Cambridge and published the book Sex, Science and Profits, wrote that "the fault lies with the females". He said male academics should "enjoy" female students' affections, but warns academics, "as in Stringfellows, you should look but not touch."
His article prompted a series of comments on the website., including one which said: "It is appalling that THE permitted the deeply offensive comments about female undergraduates … to appear in its pages."
Another said that, in the pursuit of humour, Kealing "does a disservice not only to the many female scholars who have struggled to get a foothold in academia, but also the many bright female students who have got their good grades through nothing more exciting than hard work."
A spokeswoman for the university was "not aware" of any official complaints.
A university vice-chancellor was forced to defend himself tonight after writing an article which suggested female students were a "perk" to be enjoyed by lecturers.
Dr Terence Kealey, from Buckingham University, wrote on the Times Higher Education website last week, saying lecturers were aware of females who flaunted "their curves". The National Union of Students said it displayed an "astounding lack of respect for women".
Kealey released a statement today insisting that his article was "highly moral", and that its purpose had been to point out the inappropriateness of staff-student relationships. "It says that sex between middle-aged academics and young undergraduates is wrong," he said. "The crudeness of some of the examples was to underpin the inappropriateness of transgressional sex and that is a conventional literary device.
"Sex between staff and students is not funny and is not a legitimate source of humour but it is legitimate to use humour to illuminate the ways that people finesse the dissonance between what is publicly acceptable and what is sometimes privately desired."
The piece which has caused offence was a contribution by Kealey to an article headlined "The seven deadly sins of the academy", in which various academics gave advice on how fellow lecturers should conduct themselves.
He wrote 500 words on "Lust", where he pondered why universities "pullulate with transgressive intercourse", between "male scholars and female acolytes". Kealey, who studied at Oxford and has lectured at Cambridge and published the book Sex, Science and Profits, wrote that "the fault lies with the females". He said male academics should "enjoy" female students' affections, but warns academics, "as in Stringfellows, you should look but not touch."
His article prompted a series of comments on the website., including one which said: "It is appalling that THE permitted the deeply offensive comments about female undergraduates … to appear in its pages."
Another said that, in the pursuit of humour, Kealing "does a disservice not only to the many female scholars who have struggled to get a foothold in academia, but also the many bright female students who have got their good grades through nothing more exciting than hard work."
A spokeswoman for the university was "not aware" of any official complaints.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Two thoughts for a Monday
Thought it may be of interest to some that women are considered to be the next massive consumer market globally as we are so dissatisfied with what is currently on offer. See the Boston Consulting Group report at http://www.bcg.com/Media/PressReleaseDetails.aspx?id=tcm:12-28183
While re-looking for my blog address on here (more computer problems) I came across the Pagans For Archaeology blog. They mention us here http://archaeopagans.blogspot.com/2009/03/women-in-archaeology.html
with some links to Wikipedia on some of the female archaeologists of the past and present. I haven't checked any of the Wikipedia entries for accuracy but if you wanted a list of women and a quick browse you can find it there!
While re-looking for my blog address on here (more computer problems) I came across the Pagans For Archaeology blog. They mention us here http://archaeopagans.blogspot.com/2009/03/women-in-archaeology.html
with some links to Wikipedia on some of the female archaeologists of the past and present. I haven't checked any of the Wikipedia entries for accuracy but if you wanted a list of women and a quick browse you can find it there!
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Women in Media: Equal Representation Petition
The actors union Equity are petitioning for equal representation of women in film and tv. They are challenging the fact that there is only one woman portrayed for every two men in TV drama and that older actresses disappear (as their roles are largely love interest/eye candy etc).
The petition is here:
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/24658.html
The petition is here:
http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/24658.html
Friday, 14 August 2009
Latest from UCU (University and Colleges Union) Women
Annual Women Members' Conference - Reclaim feminism, reclaim the fight for women’s rights!
Come and join us at the annual UCU women members’ conference on 14 November 2009 from 10.00-4.30 at Carlow Street, London NW1. The conference is open to all UCU women members and is free of charge. The main theme is the resurgence in feminism and in addition to an external key note speaker (to be confirmed) there will be a number of workshops. These will include: campaigning and activism in UCU, Gender Equality Duty in education, black feminism and end violence against women. The conference is a great opportunity to meet other women members and have a say in shaping union policy around gender issues. Delegates will be able to register directly via UCU head office – more information to be publicised shortly. In the meantime, if you wish to register your interest now, please contact Charlotte Nielsen in the Equality Unit: cnielsen@ucu.org.uk Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please encourage your female colleagues to come along too!
Collaboration with NUS
Olivia Bailey who is the newly elected NUS women’s officer addressed the recent meeting of the UCU women’s committee and outlined some of the women’s events and activities the NUS is planning for this year which include:
a campaign focusing on the impact of violence and sexual abuse on women students
women’s representation: encouraging women to participate and strengthening women’s networks and leadership
Feminist History/Feminist Future events
Sister Activist – activist training for women
joint campaign with UCU on nursery closures.
We look forward to working more closely with Olivia and her colleagues in NUS and collaborating where possible.
March for justice!
Since 2004 the London Feminist Network has organised the national Reclaim The Night march to say no to rape and male violence and demand justice for survivors. The UK rape conviction rate is still at its lowest ever, just over 5%. Join us to say enough is enough — put your feet on the streets for women’s rights and take back your night.
Saturday 21 November
Assemble 6pmWhitehall Place
More information from Reclaim the Night website at http://www.reclaimthenight.org/index.html
Equality Bill latest
The government equalities office has recently published its proposals for a set of specific duties for the new general public sector duty in the Equality Bill. UCU welcomes the Equality Bill as we have long campaigned for the harmonisation and simplification of equality legislation. However, UCU has a number of concerns. On our website you can find the latest briefings relating to the Equality Bill: http://www.ucu.org.uk/equalitybill In relation to gender-specific aspects of the Bill, UCU believes that the Equality Bill should contain three measures to ensure real action to end pay discrimination: the introduction of mandatory pay audits, the introduction of representative action (allowing trade unions or the Equality and Human Rights Commission to bring a claim on behalf of a group of women in equal pay cases) and the use of hypothetical comparators in equal pay cases (allowing the use of hypothetical comparators in equal pay cases where no actual comparator exists).
Come and join us at the annual UCU women members’ conference on 14 November 2009 from 10.00-4.30 at Carlow Street, London NW1. The conference is open to all UCU women members and is free of charge. The main theme is the resurgence in feminism and in addition to an external key note speaker (to be confirmed) there will be a number of workshops. These will include: campaigning and activism in UCU, Gender Equality Duty in education, black feminism and end violence against women. The conference is a great opportunity to meet other women members and have a say in shaping union policy around gender issues. Delegates will be able to register directly via UCU head office – more information to be publicised shortly. In the meantime, if you wish to register your interest now, please contact Charlotte Nielsen in the Equality Unit: cnielsen@ucu.org.uk Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please encourage your female colleagues to come along too!
Collaboration with NUS
Olivia Bailey who is the newly elected NUS women’s officer addressed the recent meeting of the UCU women’s committee and outlined some of the women’s events and activities the NUS is planning for this year which include:
a campaign focusing on the impact of violence and sexual abuse on women students
women’s representation: encouraging women to participate and strengthening women’s networks and leadership
Feminist History/Feminist Future events
Sister Activist – activist training for women
joint campaign with UCU on nursery closures.
We look forward to working more closely with Olivia and her colleagues in NUS and collaborating where possible.
March for justice!
Since 2004 the London Feminist Network has organised the national Reclaim The Night march to say no to rape and male violence and demand justice for survivors. The UK rape conviction rate is still at its lowest ever, just over 5%. Join us to say enough is enough — put your feet on the streets for women’s rights and take back your night.
Saturday 21 November
Assemble 6pmWhitehall Place
More information from Reclaim the Night website at http://www.reclaimthenight.org/index.html
Equality Bill latest
The government equalities office has recently published its proposals for a set of specific duties for the new general public sector duty in the Equality Bill. UCU welcomes the Equality Bill as we have long campaigned for the harmonisation and simplification of equality legislation. However, UCU has a number of concerns. On our website you can find the latest briefings relating to the Equality Bill: http://www.ucu.org.uk/equalitybill In relation to gender-specific aspects of the Bill, UCU believes that the Equality Bill should contain three measures to ensure real action to end pay discrimination: the introduction of mandatory pay audits, the introduction of representative action (allowing trade unions or the Equality and Human Rights Commission to bring a claim on behalf of a group of women in equal pay cases) and the use of hypothetical comparators in equal pay cases (allowing the use of hypothetical comparators in equal pay cases where no actual comparator exists).
Sunday, 2 August 2009
Harriet Harman on Men in Power
I think this is a really interesting point. There are lots of opinions about it, but personally I always like to think of the reverse.... how would men react to all-female teams? Not happily I would suspect...
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6736142.ece
Harriet Harman has being trying to change things for some time... see previous posts. Good work I think.
Anne
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6736142.ece
Harriet Harman has being trying to change things for some time... see previous posts. Good work I think.
Anne
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Girls in Antiquity, Call for Papers
Conference notice
Call For Papers
GIRLS IN ANTIQUITY
Interdisciplinary Conference at the DAI Berlin to include ancient historians, archaeologists and philologists, with a special interest to hear from early researchers.
8th to 10th October 2010
More information at
http://www.femarc.de/hgg/index.html
Link to poster on our website under News/Events http://britishwomenarchaeologists.org.uk/
Call For Papers
GIRLS IN ANTIQUITY
Interdisciplinary Conference at the DAI Berlin to include ancient historians, archaeologists and philologists, with a special interest to hear from early researchers.
8th to 10th October 2010
More information at
http://www.femarc.de/hgg/index.html
Link to poster on our website under News/Events http://britishwomenarchaeologists.org.uk/
Saturday, 18 July 2009
Sex and Power report reveals fewer women in positions of power and influence
The Equality and Human Rights Commission's annual report looking at women in top positions of power and influence across the public and private sectors, suggests a worrying trend of reversal or stalled progress - with only a few significant increases.
There are fewer women MPs in Westminster, where they make up just 19.3 percent of all MPs.
The Commission has likened women's progress to a snail's pace. A snail could crawl the entire length of the Great Wall of China in 212 years, only slightly longer than the 200 years it will take for women to be equally represented in Parliament.
Nicola Brewer, the Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
'Young women's aspiration is in danger of giving way to frustration. Many of them are now excelling at school and are achieving great things in higher education. And they are keen to balance a family with a rewarding career. But workplaces forged in an era of 'stay at home mums' and 'breadwinner dads' are putting too many barriers in the way - resulting in an avoidable loss of talent at the top.'
‘We always speak of a glass ceiling. These figures reveal that in some cases it appears to be made of reinforced concrete. We need radical change to support those who are doing great work and help those who want to work better and release talent.’
'The Commission’s report argues that today's findings are not just a 'women's issue' but are a powerful symptom of a wider failure. The report asks in what other ways are old-fashioned, inflexible ways of working preventing Britain from tapping into talent - whether that of women or other under-represented groups such as disabled people, ethnic minorities or those with caring responsibilities. Britain cannot afford to go on marginalising or rejecting talented people who fail to fit into traditional work patterns.'
Download the reports here:
Sex and Power 2008:
www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/sex_and_power_2008_pdf.pdf
Sex and Power Scotland: www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/sex_and_power_2008_scotland.pdf
Who Runs Wales? 2009: www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/download_ehrc_who_runs_wales_english_section.pdf
There are fewer women MPs in Westminster, where they make up just 19.3 percent of all MPs.
The Commission has likened women's progress to a snail's pace. A snail could crawl the entire length of the Great Wall of China in 212 years, only slightly longer than the 200 years it will take for women to be equally represented in Parliament.
Nicola Brewer, the Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
'Young women's aspiration is in danger of giving way to frustration. Many of them are now excelling at school and are achieving great things in higher education. And they are keen to balance a family with a rewarding career. But workplaces forged in an era of 'stay at home mums' and 'breadwinner dads' are putting too many barriers in the way - resulting in an avoidable loss of talent at the top.'
‘We always speak of a glass ceiling. These figures reveal that in some cases it appears to be made of reinforced concrete. We need radical change to support those who are doing great work and help those who want to work better and release talent.’
'The Commission’s report argues that today's findings are not just a 'women's issue' but are a powerful symptom of a wider failure. The report asks in what other ways are old-fashioned, inflexible ways of working preventing Britain from tapping into talent - whether that of women or other under-represented groups such as disabled people, ethnic minorities or those with caring responsibilities. Britain cannot afford to go on marginalising or rejecting talented people who fail to fit into traditional work patterns.'
Download the reports here:
Sex and Power 2008:
www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/sex_and_power_2008_pdf.pdf
Sex and Power Scotland: www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/sex_and_power_2008_scotland.pdf
Who Runs Wales? 2009: www.equalityhumanrights.com/uploaded_files/download_ehrc_who_runs_wales_english_section.pdf
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Forthcoming conference:
'Why is domestic violence a workplace issue?'
Manchester, Wed. 16th Sept. 2009
http://www.gmemploymentrights.org.uk/uploads/Dawes_informationLeaflet.pdf
Manchester, Wed. 16th Sept. 2009
http://www.gmemploymentrights.org.uk/uploads/Dawes_informationLeaflet.pdf
Fawcett Society reports that 30,000 pregnant women lose their jobs per year
It is estimated that 30,000 women lose their job each year simply because they are pregnant. This is illegal discrimination but women are let down by weak equality legislation, and this action is actually on the rise due to the recession.The Fawcett Society and other organisations have noted an increase in the number of calls they are receiving from pregnant women, or women on maternity leave who have been identified for redundancy in the recession. As a result, Fawcett have established the 'Alliance Against Pregnancy Discrimination' to campaign and provide advice and support: http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/documents/AllianceAgainstPregnancyDiscrimination.pdf
The Alliance calls for Government and employers to actively enforce the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on pregnancy related grounds and for Government not to weaken the law on pregnancy discrimination in the Equality Bill.Do you need advice on pregnancy discrimination?The employment discrimination team at solicitors Leigh Day will give 10 minutes' free advice if you suspect you have recently been made redundant on these grounds. Contact them here: http://www.leighday.co.uk/news/news-archive/is-the-recession-affecting-women-more-than-men-1
The Alliance calls for Government and employers to actively enforce the law prohibiting workplace discrimination on pregnancy related grounds and for Government not to weaken the law on pregnancy discrimination in the Equality Bill.Do you need advice on pregnancy discrimination?The employment discrimination team at solicitors Leigh Day will give 10 minutes' free advice if you suspect you have recently been made redundant on these grounds. Contact them here: http://www.leighday.co.uk/news/news-archive/is-the-recession-affecting-women-more-than-men-1
Recent articles from The Times on planned changes to parenting legislation (subsequently scrapped by Peter Mandelson in favour of business chiefs):
18/06/09 The evolution of fatherhood The roles of men and women at home and at work are now changing so rapidly that they will share child-rearing duties equally in the near future, a new film argues. We look at the evolution of fatherhood and asks if guys are ready for it: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article6522170.ece
30/03/09
Cut in maternity leave to give fathers more time off
Watchdog demands greater equality for parents:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5998884.ece
30/03/09
Time off after childbirth ‘to be shared more fairly between men and women’:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5999158.ece
30/03/09
Cut in maternity leave to give fathers more time off
Watchdog demands greater equality for parents:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5998884.ece
30/03/09
Time off after childbirth ‘to be shared more fairly between men and women’:
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article5999158.ece
Friday, 3 July 2009
Welcome!
This is the first posting of what I hope will be an enormously successful blogtastic adventure!
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