Women's News  22nd May Job Opportunity with Greenway Women's Centre Greenway Women's Centre are recruiting for a Centre Manager. Position: Centre Manager
Salary: NJC PO2 point 38 £31530.74 per annum
Hours: 37½ hours per week currently until March 2014. Minimum Third level qualification or equivalent experience 3 years working in a Senior Management Capacity within the last 5 years 3 years financial management experience 3 years experience in Line Management of staff including appraisal & performance systems A working knowledge of sources & mechanisms of funding including European, Government & Trust Funds.
Please request an application pack by contacting Mae at Greenway Women’s Centre 19 Greeenway, Cregagh Estate, BT6 0DT. Telephone 028 90 799912 or email secretary@greenwaywomenscentre.org. CV’s will not be accepted. Completed applications to be returned to Secretary, Greenway Women Centre by June 6th @ 12 noon 2013.
21st May
Job Opportunity with Women's Information NI Position: Community Relations Coordinator
Salary: £28,636pa Fixed Term Post Women’s Information Northern Ireland wish to recruit a Community Relations Coordinator to take forward their Women’s Words project. The post is funded for approx 2 years by Community Relations Council. The ideal candidate will need to have exceptional experience in community relations, conflict resolution and women’s role in contributing to peace building. The candidate should be highly qualified and have the ability to work at grass roots as well as at political level. The candidate will also be required to write a paper on the process and contribute to other academic research around women and conflict resolution. For an information pack and application form click here or contact Michele Baird at WINI on 90382022. Closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm Friday 24th May 2013. 20th May Job Opportunity with The Training for Women Network Ltd Position: Training & Development Officer Ref: 36/13
(NJC Scale SO2 - 18 month contract) The Training for Women Network Ltd (TWN) isNorthern Ireland’s leading network for the promotion of women’s training and development whose main aim is to support, promote and advance opportunities for women inNorthern Ireland. It now wishes to recruit a suitable individual for the following post: The Training & Development Officer will play a key role in TWN meeting its internal and external training needs along with the continued development of new products and services to meet the needs of our clients. Essential Criteria: Graduate or equivalent third- level qualification A professional training and development qualification or assessor training qualifications (A1 Internal Assessor Award & V1 Internal Verifier Award or equivalent)•IT skills, including word-processing and use of presentational software application packages At least 3 years’ experience in the design, co-ordination and delivery of education/training (including the delivery of competence-based qualifications) At least 2 years’ experience of marketing training programmes
Applications packs and a full job description are available by contacting John Rogan at: TEL: 028 9031988 / E-mail: john@twnonline.com. Applications must be returned before 4.00pm on Friday 31st May 2013. It is envisaged that interviews will be held on the 10 June 2013. This post is part funded by the NI European Social Fund/Department of Employment and Learning
20th May
Job Opportunity with Footprints Women's Centre Vacancy: NEETs Project Worker
Hours: 20 hours (flexible to include evening work)
Salary Scale: £10.20 per hour
Duration: June 2013 – March 2015 (Subject to funding) The NEETs Project Worker will be responsible for the delivery, of the ‘Gateway to Progression Project’ within Footprints Women’s Centre. This is a partnership project funded by DEL’s Collaboration and Innovation Fund and managed through Training for Women Network (TWN). Download a Job Description adn Person Specification here. For more information contact Sinead Sinead McCarry on 028 9092 3444 or email footprintsadmin@footprintswomenscentre.com. 15th May Job Opportunity with Greenway Women's Centre Position: Finance & Admin Officer Main Purpose of Job; to ensure all finance & admin Procedures are fit for purpose and kept updated in accordance with all legal & funder’s requirements. 10½hrs per week Flexible hours. £12.03 per hour.
Responsibilities: To Support and assist when appropriate the operational management of the centre To be responsible for the daily financial running of the organisation, computerised and manual, in accordance with Greenway Women’s Group’s Finance & Admin Procedures. To be responsible for budgets and returns for funders, within the funders’ requirements, providing forecasts and timely revisions as necessary. To attend monthly budget meetings with Centre Manager, providing up to date information and support for budget management. To be responsible for financial reports for Finance & Personnel Sub Group as when required To prepare project costing in conjunction with Centre Manager for funding applications as required To manage cash flow. Assist in the preparation of all statutory returns to the appropriate authorities Process computerised monthly payroll and ensure compliance with legal requirements and year end Prepare for and facilitate audit visits from funders and Accountants. Responsibility for fixed asset register Assist with recruitment for Finance & Admin department Liaise with insurers regarding claims and information Act as Pension Administrator Ensure that the lender process is observed according to funder’s requirements.
For more information or an application pack, please contact Lindsay Cooper, 19 Greenway, Belfast, BT6 0DT, Tel: 028 9079 9912 or email: childcare@greenwaywomenscentre.org. Closing Date: 29th May 2013 13th May Shankill Women's Centre Part-Time Teaching/Facilitator Register Tutors and facilitators are invited to submit CV's to be held on a register for Shankill Women’s Centre, this register will be held by Shankill Women’s Centre and may be shared with other community organisations.
Shankill Women’s Centre wish to recruit tutors and facilitators for the following areas: ICT (all levels) Computerised accounts Payroll Manual accounts Counselling GCSE English and Maths Beauty Childcare
Previous teaching experience essential. CV should include previous teaching or delivery, employer reference details, expected salary and if accreditation can be supplied. CVs will be held on file should vacancies arise. CVs can be emailed to robertag@shankillwomenscentre.org or posted to Mrs Roberta Gray, Education Manager, Shankill Women’s Centre, 151/157 Shankill Road, Belfast, BT13 1FD. 8th May National Women’s Council of Ireland welcomes publication of X Case Legislation but raises concerns The government published the General Scheme of the Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill 2013 on April 30th 2013. The publication of the Bill is the response of the State to its obligations arising from the European Court of Human Rights Judgement in the case of A, B and C v. Ireland in 2010. In response to the publication of the Heads of the Bill on Protection of Life during Pregnancy, Orla O’Connor, Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland said, “We welcome that after 21 years of inaction, the government has finally proposed legislation to give effect to the X Case judgement. This is an important step towards ensuring that women’s lives during pregnancy will be protected. The National Women’s Council of Ireland will assess the details of the bill over the coming days and issue a more detailed briefing in due course. We will in particular look at the Bill’s capacity to ensure the necessary legal clarity and provision for realistic procedures that will allow a woman in practice to exercise her constitutional right to an abortion in life-threatening circumstances, including suicide.” Click here to download the NWCI Information Brief on the Bill. 7th May Northern Ireland Minister for DSD: Rescue the sculpture celebrating shirt factory women of Derry/Londonderry Petition The DSD commissioned artist Louise Walsh to create a public art piece that would celebrate the shirt factory workers of this city. It was completed six years ago with collaboration from the women who were workers in the factories. It was to be put up at Harbour Square behind the Guildhall. The last six years has seen nothing but red tape from the DSD causing delays in getting the art piece constructed. A petition on Change.org is calling on the DSD to rescue the sculpture, commissioned by the DSD to celebrate the Derry/Londonderry women shirt factory workers' skills and contribution to the identity of this city. This iconic sculpture is the missing link for every family in the city to the culture we are celebrating this year and it needs to be here in pride of place, not lying ignored in an engineering yard. To sign the petition, click here. 6th May The Bank of England announced it will replace the only woman on English currency with Churchill The Governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King announced on 26th April that the current five pound note will be phased out in 2016 with social reformer Elizabeth Fry is to be replaced as the face of the five-pound note by Winston Churchill. This means that– barring the Queen – there will be no women depicted on English currency. The Bank of England has featured historical figures on its notes since William Shakespeare appeared on the £20 note in 1970. Of the 15 icons that have figured since then, only two have been women: Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Fry. Caroline Criado-Perez, co-founder of The Women’s Room, has launched an online petition calling on the Bank of England to reverse their decision and keep a woman on English banknotes. Having an all-male cast on our banknotes would consign women to the sidelines of history, ignoring their achievements and contributions. Click here to visit the petition page.
3rd May Vacancy at Greenway Women's Centre Childcare Assistant The Childcare Department at Greenway Women’s Centre currently consists of 2 separate rooms – Baby room for up to 6( 0-2 year olds) and Toddler room for up to 16 (2-3 year olds). – This position will require you to work with both Practice Room Leaders and other staff.
Essential: Recognised childcare qualification to NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3 or equivalent OR Working towards a recognised childcare qualification At least 1 year’s experience working in a childcare setting with children 0-4 years. Experience of providing and planning a structured play environment for children 0-4 years. Excellent communication skills with children and adults To work effectively as part of a team. Good organisational skills and a willingness at times to work flexible hours.
N.B. In applying for this post candidates are consenting to undergo required Access NI and Social Services Checks. Please note: Applications can be requested by telephone, in person or email. Application will be accepted by email, in person or by post. No CV's will be accepted for this position. For more information contact, Lindsay Cooper on 028 9079 9912 or email childcare@greenwaywomenscentre.org. 29th April HereNI - Call for Voluntary Board Members Here NI is a regional organisation that works with lesbian and bisexual women. We facilitate a substantial number of peer support groups across Northern Ireland, provide a range of social activities and provide sexual orientation training and work within a feminist ethos.
Here NI is seeking to recruit female Board members from across Northern Ireland committed to our mission statement of “ promoting the full inclusion of lesbian and bisexual women in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties” and our vision “ that all lesbian and bisexual women are visible, included and valued in all aspects of society”. Here NI are particularly interested in women with expertise in but not limited to the following areas: Human Resources, Business Planning, Social Enterprise, Good Relations, Marketing & Communication and Finance.
Commitment required: One 2 hour meeting every month, attendance at AGM, training, and occasional input on relevant issues. To receive further information or arrange an informal meeting to discuss, please contact cara.mccann@hereni.org.
26th April Job Opportunity with Womens' Aid Federation Women's Aid Federation are recruiting for an Administrative Support Worker. The successful candidate will work as part of the administrative team to manage a busy switchboard, reception area and voicemail system. The role is also required to provide and maintain secretarial and administrative support services.
Posts advertised are open to women only. For these posts being a women is a genuine occupational requirement in accordance with Article 10 (2) (e) of the Sex Discrimination NI Order 1976 (as amended). In order to comply with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland are required to explore the successful candidate’s suitability to work with vulnerable adults and children through ACCESS NI pre-employment screening. Essential Criteria: Recent or relevant experience gained in an office environment, of: Operating a switchboard, busy reception area and voicemail system; Providing and maintaining secretarial and administrative support services including Microsoft Office.
Qualifications: Please click here for Person Specification for a full list of essential criteria and attached Job Description for an outline of the role requirements. For more information contact Suzanne McIlwee on 028 9024 9041 or email personnel@womensaidni.org. 25th April Job Opportunity with Footprints Women's Centre Training and Education Manager - Footprints Women's Centre Job Title: Training and Education Manager
Responsible to: Centre Director
Hours: 25 hours (negotiable, to include evening work)
Salary Scale: £26,000 (35hrs) pro rata Job Summary: To manage and develop the Training and Education facility within Footprints Women’s Centre. Please see job description and specification: Footprints Job Description Training. For further information, contact Sinead McCarry at Footprints on 028 9092 3444 or email footprintsadmin@footprintswomenscentre. Closing Date for applications: 9th May 2013. 24th April Launch of Assembly Community Connect Launch of Assembly Community Connect - enhancing connections between the Assembly and the voluntary and community sector through education and outreach
‘Better representation through greater understanding’ Assembly Community Connect (ACC) works to provide training, information and support for the voluntary and community sector. ACC aims to: Help local voluntary and community groups gain a greater understanding of the work of the Assembly through the provision of training and educational programmes and opportunities to engage directly with MLAs, Committees and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Develop MLAs’ understanding of the work of the voluntary and community sector and create understanding about the impact of public policy and decision making.
The launch takes place at 6pm on Tuesday 21st May 2013 in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings.
RSVP by 10th May 2013 by email to outreach@niassembly.gov.uk. For more information about the launch or ACC please contact Stephanie Mallon, Community Outreach, on 028 9052 1785 or email stephanie.mallon@niassembly.gov.uk. 23rd April GRACE Women's Development Limited Job Opportunity Job Title: Young Women’s Support Worker
Hours: 10 hours per week
Salary: £16,830.00 Per Annum, Pro Rata The working week will be for 10 hours to be worked flexibly to suit the demand of the project as set out by the project coordinator. This is a three year post. Evening and weekend work will be required. Job Purpose: To make contacts with local young women – promoting personal and social skills by providing enjoyable, educational and challenging programmes and activities that will help them improve their confidence and self esteem, help them develop new skills and cope with issues that may affect their lives. Job description and application form available from Marie Osborne, Grace Women’s Development Limited, Ardoyne Community Centre, 40 Herbert Street Belfast. Tel: 028 9074 3536 or Email: gracewdl@hotmail.co.uk. Closing date for applications 8th May at 4pm. Emailed / Late applications will not be accepted 23rd April The National Women's Council is recruiting a Fundraising and Development Co-ordinator Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of women throughout Ireland? We are seeking an innovative, effective, hardworking individual to work on income generation for the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI). The role, which involves working closely with the Director and Board of the Council, includes the following key tasks: Support and development of Membership of the NWCI to ensure expansion especially in the area of individual and corporate membership. Developing a fundraising framework that involves the State, Major Gifts (individuals and foundations), Events and Merchandising. Development of Fundraising Materials and Co-ordination of Fundraising events
The person chosen will have: At least 5 years proven track record of delivering results in fundraising, relationship management, marketing or new business development; Bachelor's degree or equivalent proven experience; Commitment to the mission and ethos of the National Women’s Council.
See job description. Closing date for receipt of applications is 13th May 2013. 17th April Job Opportunity with Atlas Women's Centre Finance & Admin Project Worker required to work at Atlas Womens Centre Lisburn, 35 hrs per week funded by DSD until 31 March 2014. Salary £21854. Will consider job share. The successful applicant will be required to have the following experience and skills. 5 years’ experience of working in the voluntary/community sector Knowledge and experience of statutory reporting requirements and ability to prepare accounts for audit Experience and skills to manage funded projects Advanced IT/computer skills Full clean driving licence Experience of managing budgets Ability to work as part of a small team Represent the pubic face of the organisation Ensure that all aspects of the Centre Finance and Administration Procedures are fully implemented. Maintain an awareness of organisational and technological developments and ensure that the service operates in ways which make best possible use of the resources available. Liaise and negotiate, as appropriate, with the funding authority and other funding sources on future service delivery initiatives and developments in conjunction with the Centre Manager. Maintain appropriate relations with funders and make reports as necessary, ensuring compliance with any contracts. Identify opportunities for funded development of the service and to assist in submitting bids and applications accordingly. Assume managerial responsibilities when required e.g. absence of Centre Manager Any other reasonable duties as deemed necessary by the Centre Manager and Company Directors
Applications by CV, post or email by 12 noon Friday 26th April 2013. For more information please contact Gay or Linda on 028 9260 5806 or email atlascentre@hotmail.com.
11th April Post of Training & Development Officer With Foyle Women’s Information Network Foyle Women’s Information Network, wishes to appoint the following: Job Title: Training and Development Officer
Hours: 30 hours per week
Grade: NJC Scale SO1 Point 29 - £24,646 pro rata
Length of contract: Until 31st March 2015 For an application pack for this post please contact: Foyle Women’s Information Network, DiverseCity Community Partnership, 12-14 The Diamond, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PW. Telephone:(028) 7126 6291 or Email: info@fwin.org.uk. The deadline for completed applications is 1pm on Thursday 25th April 2013. This post is funded through a Training for Women Network Ltd project supported by the NI European Social Fund Programme managed by Department of Employment and Learning. 8th April 'Guidance on Termination of Pregnancy in NI' Consultation DHSSPS have produced a guidance document for health and social care professionals on termination of pregnancy in Northern Ireland. The document “The limited circumstances for a lawful termination of pregnancy in Northern Ireland: A guidance document for health and social care professionals” does not change the law but builds on previous versions that have been subject to public consultation and consideration by Northern Ireland courts. A public consultation is being held on the document and the closing date for responses is 29th July 2013. Access the document here. 5th April Petition to name Dublin bridge after Rosie Hackett There are currently 16 bridges over the river Liffey in Dublin's city centre. 13 of these bridges are named after men and not one of the bridges is named after a women. This petition is calling on Dublin City council to name the new Marlborough Street bridge the Rosie Hackett Bridge. Born in 1892 Rosie Hackett became a messenger in Jacob's biscuit factory in Dublin. She joined the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union when it was founded in 1909 and less than a year later she was one of 3,000 women in the factory who went on strike and won a pay rise. An activist, she encouraged the women yet again to join in the epic labour struggle - the 1913 Dublin Lockout which lasted more than four months - and saw some 20,000 workers on strike. When she was dismissed from Jacob's factory she trained as a printer. She was one of the small group who endeavoured to print the 1916 Proclamation on a faulty printing press and brought the first copy, still damp, to James Connolly. She was a member of the Irish Citizen Army and served with Constance Markievicz and Michael Mallin when they occupied the Royal College of Surgeons in the Easter Rebellion and was sent to Kilmainham Jail. On her release she re-founded the Irish Women Workers' Union with Louie Bennett and Helen Chenevix and for years she served as clerk in the union which, at its peak, organised about 70,000 women, including bookbinders, contract cleaners, laundry, print and electronic workers. Later she took charge of the ITGWU's newspaper shop on Eden Quay. In 1970 Hackett received a gold medal in recognition of her 60 years' service to the Irish trade union movement yet she is almost forgotten in today's world. Sign the petition here. 4th April Public benefit and registration guidance consultation The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland has opened a consultation to provide an opportunity for anyone involved, or interested, in the work of charities to help shape the guidance.
The consultation will close on Monday 6th May 2013. We hope that everyone within the charity sector, the public sector, the general public and other stakeholders will engage and contribute. The Commission wants you to share your views on the guidance, to ask questions and find out more about the public benefit and registration requirements for charities. There are a number of ways you can take part including attending any of the 12 public consultation events which are taking place across Northern Ireland during March and April. You can also share your views using an online survey through the website - www.charitycommissionni.org.uk – or you can download the document and send the completed consultation form to us. Contact the Charity Commission on 028 3832 0220 if you need any assistance. 29th March Volunteering Opportunities with Women’s Aid ABCLN Women’s aid ABCLN has identified that domestic violence impacts on the development and learning of over 80% of young people accessing its services. Women's Aid ABCLN have just opened the Cornerstone Building behind Grace House in Antrim. The "Cornerstone Project" will support young people to stay engaged or re engage in the education system and remove barriers to learning by providing a safe, structured and supportive learning environment for young people living with domestic violence. This will include an after schools homework club and 1 to 1 tuition. Women's Aid ABCLN are looking for Volunteers who have a few hours to spare each week to work with these young people and help with the Homework support club. Other volunteer opportunities include: If interested please use the private messaging facility on facebook, or alternatively email laura.dillion@womensaidabcln.org for further information. 22nd March Vacancy with Omagh Women’s Aid Omagh Women's Aid wishes to appoint a Services Manager - To ensure the effective and efficient management and delivery of Omagh Women’s Aid community-based and accommodation-based services to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Closing Date: 16th April 2013. For a job description, person specification and application form, click here: http://www.communityni.org/job/services-manager 15th March Job opportunity at Footprint’s Women’s Centre Applications are invited for the post of:
Childcare Assistant (Maternity Cover Reference: (CCA-03-13- )
Salary: £6.19 per hour
Hours: 35 hours, per week The successful candidate will be expected to have: One year’s experience of working in a paid or voluntary capacity within a childcare setting. An empathy and understanding of the needs of vulnerable women and children. A friendly, caring, helpful, flexible, open-minded and patient disposition.
Please request an application pack by contacting Sinead, Footprints Women’s Centre, 84a Colinmill, Poleglass, Belfast BT17 0AR, Tel. (028) 90 92 3444 or by emailing footprintsadmin@footprintswomenscentre.com. Completed application forms must be returned to the Administrator at Footprints Women’s Centre by Wednesday 20th March at 12 noon. 12th March Windsor Women's Centre - Job Vacancy Education Assistant 25 hours per week Salary £17376 per annum • To assist in developing an annual programme of courses/classes which are comprehensive enough to meet the needs of `beginners' as well as the more established learner which support the progression of individual women within a community development setting. • To work in conjunction with the education team and other departments in the Centre in prioritising and implementing the tasks required within the Education and Training Development plan Summarised as: 1. Educated to degree level or equivalent qualifications in Community& Adult education. 2. At least 2 years recent experience in Women's education or community development work at delivery level. 3. Ability to use information technology as a communication and resource tool and service own work requirements. 4. Excellent oral and written communication skills (as evidenced by application form and at interview).
11th March
Apply now for NI Impact Awards Do you know a great Community Leader or an Inspirational individual that deserves recognition? Business in the Community’s NI Impact Awards include two nomination categories to recognise the importance of individuals within the voluntary sector and the impact they make on business and on wider society. Download a nomination form today for either the Community Leader Award or the Mark Pollock Award for Hope from www.bitcni.org.uk/awards and return it before 28th March to acknowledge the commitment of a colleague or partner that really makes a difference. Business in the Community’s Gala Awards Dinner will take place on 6th June at Belfast Waterfront Hall.
8th March Fawcett Society launch new website The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading campaigning organisation for women’s equality and rights – at home, at work and in public life. Fawcett have just launched their new website on International Women’s Day, 8th March 2013. You can visit the site by clicking here: http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/ 7th March The Health of Ageing LGB&/T People in Northern Ireland Survey Calling all LGB&/T people 40+ - we want to hear from you. The following survey is targeted at LGB&/T people who are 40+ and living in Northern Ireland and has been developed by Rainbow Project in partnership with RQIA, the Public Health Agency, HereNI, Age NI, UNISON, and Independent Health & Social Care Providers NI. The information gathered will be completely confidential. The aim of this survey is to explore the lived experience of LGB&/T people relating to their care, their perceptions of care and how they would like to see services being provided in the future. This information will support the development of guidelines for care providers to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and tools to meet the needs of older LGB&/T people in Northern Ireland. This survey should take around 10-15 minutes to complete. If you are interested in taking part in a follow-up focus group please complete your details at the end when requested to do so. You can access the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VF6CK62 and hard copies will be available at the Belfast LGBT Centre.
5th March
Community Relations Week 2013 – Why not organise an event? Would you consider organising a small event to support Community Relations Week locally in 2013? The deadline for events to be included in the programme is March 27th. Community Relations Week this year will be held from Monday 20 May to Sunday 27 May. The Community Relations Council (based in Belfast) have indicated that the week will seek to complement Derry~Londonderry’s celebration as the UK City of Culture by illustrating attempts across all communities to build an inclusive and shared society based on mutual respect. They are encouraging Community and Voluntary sector groups to consider running an event or workshop or showcase/launch etc during CR Week. Locally the Derry~Londonderry area will be using the slogan ‘En-Counter Culture’ as its theme for this year. If your group has had peace funding, CRC funding or has engaged in any projects relevant to Community Relations please consider running an event. In 2013 Community Relations Week CRC are highlighting that any additional costs relating to a CR Week event may be eligible for grant aid from their CR/CD small grants scheme. Although the grant scheme is only open for applications from 1 April enquiries about the possibility of grant support for a CR Week event should be made to Paul Jordan or project officers in the Funding and Development team. http://www.community-relations.org.uk/ is the link to their funding. Derry City Council’s Community Relations Service is strongly encouraging local community groups to consider running an event in CR Week – Council will help promote these events in a combined programme for the council area if the groups concerned want to be featured in the programme. If you have any queries about CR Week locally feel free to contact any one of Derry City Council’s CRO’s – Carol Stewart, Sue Divin, Community Relations Officer on Tel: 02871365151 ext 8218 or visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/goodrelations. 4th March Community Relations Award 2013 The Community Relations Council invites nominations for the 2013 Community Relations Aware of exceptional contribution in building a share and reconciled society. The award in intended to help recognize and highlight some of the excellent groundbreaking and courageous peace building work developed and delivered in Northern Ireland and the border areas. This work includes promoting trust and interdependence challenging sectarianism, racism and violence, supporting inter-cultural relations within our increasingly diverse society, and promoting conflict transformation. Nominations are invited. These should give some background information on the nominee and outline their contribution by reference to the following criteria: • Evidence of the exceptional, sustained and long-term commitment of the nominee/s to community relations work.
• Evidence of the commitment of the nominee/s to community relations/intercultural work beyond single community across Northern Ireland and/or across the Border.
• Influence on thinking on peace-building and community relations issues
• Embodiment of Community Relations Council values: fairness and justice(Equity), the peaceful celebration of variety and difference (Diversity) and the importance of sharing, trust and inclusion (Interdependence).
Please note that the Award is given to an individual, or exceptionally two individuals acting in partnership, rather than to a group. Also, the Award will not be given posthumously. Nominations can be made by completing a nomination form and returning to CRC by 4.30pm on Monday 22nd April. No self-nominations are permitted and staff and members of the Community Relations Council, and their family members, are ineligible although they may submit the nominations of others. Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.nicrc.org.uk for further information contact CRC on 028 90227500 or e-mail info@nicrc.org.uk
14th February
One Billion Rising Flash Mob, Belfast One Billion Rising is a global campaign calling for an end to violence, and for justice and gender equality. On February 14th, 2013, a one-day event was held. A call for one billion women around the world to join together to dance in a show of collective strength. This is Belfast's 'One Billion Rising' story. ONE BILLION RISING : BELFAST from Campaign Social on Vimeo. 11th February Menopause 4 Thought Programme at First Steps Women’s Centre This project seeks to address the issues of lack of information, stigma, isolation and the associated mental and physical health issues which women face when dealing with the menopause.
The main aim of the project will be based upon the provision of information and self-help skills to enable women to deal with the multifaceted issue of the menopause, e.g. Yoga is used as a means of assisting women coping with stress.
This will include talks by sector experts, training sessions in healthy eating, stress management, exercise, alternative therapies and homeopathic alternatives - the focus being on up-skilling women to be confident and resilient to face the challenges of the menopause both mentally and physically.
Initial research has already been conducted by FSWC around this topic, including a focus group and a preliminary questionnaire - the results of both have indicated that there is a definite need for a channel for women to overcome the stigma and isolation that they encounter when they reach the menopause.
70% of women surveyed expressed little or no knowledge of what the signs and symptoms of the menopause are and have found that more than half of all women don't know that the menopause is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
In the final stage of "Menopause 4 Thought" FSWC would like to help to empower local women to establish a self-help group specifically focused on the menopause and which will aim to perpetuate the work of the programme throughout the community.
Commencing Wednesday 10th April 2013 from 9.45am - 11.45am for 12 weeks. If you would like to participate in this programme, please contact Joanne on (028) 87727648. See Menopause 4 Thought Activities for more details.
6th February Maximising Access to Services, Grants and Benefits in Rural Areas (MARA) Project
The aim of the project is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in rural areas by making them aware of, or helping them access, local services, grants or benefits.
The project is led by the Public Health Agency (PHA), an agency of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), which was set up to improve the health and social wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland. The project is funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the PHA.
We can arrange for a trained Community Representative to call at households to speak to them and provide help with:
• Energy Efficiency Grants
• Access to Community Transport and a Translink Smart Pass
• An Occupational Therapy Assessment
• A Home Safety Check
• Benefit Entitlements Check
• Information and access to a range of local services in your area.
They can also ask a family member/friend to be present during the visit if you wish. Our Community Representative can also meet and carry out individual assessments at the arranged visit with other members of your household who are aged 18 or over to check if they are eligible for additional entitlements.
If you know of people who would wish to participate in this project and would like one of our Community Representatives call to see them, please phone 028816 62588.
4th February
Lesbian Line Volunteering Open Days Interested in volunteering with Lesbian Line? Dates for your diary! Lesbian Line will be hosting an Open Evening 7pm – 9pm on 21st February and an Open Afternoon 2pm-4pm on 23rd February for women over the age of 18. You are warmly invited to come along and find out more about the volunteering opportunities on offer, the work Lesbian Line do, and meet the people who do it. You can also just come down for some coffee, cake and a wee look around the LGBT centre. It’s a great time to get involved with us as Cara-Friend prepares for a major revamp and lots of exciting new service provision. If neither if these dates suit, please make an appointment with us via the email address; lesbianline@cara-friend.org,uk.
30th January Free Training for Women at the Ashton Centre The women’s training project at the Ashton Centre is offering free training to unemployed women living in north belfast from april 2013. - Childcare assistant training (16-24)
- Word processing level 2 parts 1 & 2
- European computer driving licence
- Sage accounts level 2
- Ocr level 1 bookkeeping
Training is subject to change. Interested? Call to register your interestCall Tracy on 028 90742255
or email: mailto:%20tracy.mcwhinney@ashtoncentre.com. Spaces are limited.
Supported by the Department for Social Development 28th January Vacancy at Women's Aid ABCLN Women’s Aid is the lead agency in supporting women and children living with domestic violence. The Make It Better Appeal will raise funds to maintain the newly developed Cornerstone Centre and the dedicated staff team to deliver vital services for children and young people affected by domestic violence. Women’s Aid in Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey wish to appoint the following worker: Make It Better – Fundraising Coordinator – 20 hours per week / Salary £21,934 pro rata This post is for 1 year initially. To obtain more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilities of the post and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please visit www.nijobfinder.co.uk or email Leanne.womensaid@btconnect.com. Completed application forms must be returned by POST ONLY to The Recruitment Officer, The Naomi Centre, 2 Cullybackey Road, Ballymena. BT43 5DF to arrive no later than 5pm on Wednesday 6th February, 2013. Women’s Aid is a women only organisation and the lawful recruitment of a female for the post falls within the exemption stated in Article 10 (2b&4e) of the Sex Discrimination (NI) Order 1976. 26th January Work experience for lone parents with Marks and Spencer Marks and Spencer is working with Gingerbread NI and Possibilities NI to offer Marks and Start 2013. It gives the opportunity of work experience to single parents and helps them get ready to access the world of work. The programme starts in March and is available in Marks and Spencer stores across N Ireland. Demand is expected to be high so don't delay in finding out more if you are interested. Contact Orla (Belfast area) on T: 028 9023 1417, E: orla@gingerbreadni.org or Maria (North West area) on T: 028 7137 7066, E: maria@gingerbreadni.org. EMA may be available for 16-24 year olds
24th January NWCI Report The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) have launched a report "Putting People First: Putting Women in the Picture", a proposal to ensure the social inclusion of disadvantaged women in the reform of local government. You can access the report here: Putting People First Women in the Picture Report. For more information on the NWCI, visit their website.
23rd January
The impact of the economic crisis on women and men and on gender equality policies - New European Report This European report aims to assess the impact of this crisis on the situation of women and men in Europe and on gender equality policies.
This report is a product of the EGGE and the EGGSI expert networks of the European Commission. It covers 27 Member States, the EEA-EFTA countries and three candidate countries: Turkey, Croatia and FYROM. The report draws four main conclusions of the crisis.
The first conclusion is that there has been a levelling down of gender gaps in employment, unemployment, wages and poverty over the crisis. This however does not reflect progress in gender equality as it is based on lower rates of employment, higher rates of unemployment and reduced earnings for both men and women.
The second main conclusion of this report is that the labour market behaviour of women over the crisis has been similar to that of men. The traditional view that women behave as employment buffers, called in when demand expands but pushed back when it contracts has been challenged for previous crises, but has been definitely refuted by the experience of this crisis. The contemporary ‘buffers’ are young men and women on temporary employment contracts and migrant workers.
The third main conclusion of this report is that, while there is evidence of contained but uneven retrenchment in welfare provisions in the first years of the crisis, there is a threat that fiscal consolidation may ultimately reduce both the welfare provisions being made and the related employment with associated gender equality impacts.
The fourth main conclusion is that in the vast majority of countries gender mainstreaming has not been implemented in policy design and policy implementation over the crisis. Neither recovery nor consolidation measures have been assessed from a gender perspective in the vast majority of cases.
Read full version of the report. 22nd January Let’s talk success Let’s Talk Success is the Lifestart Foundation’s new one-to-one speech, language and communication initiative available to parents of children from birth to five in the following Western Board areas: Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Limavady, Enniskillen and environs.
Aimed at supporting parents to develop speech, language and communication skills in their children; the initiative will promote school readiness and reduce barriers to learning. Dependent on identified need four to six Let’s Talk Success sessions will be made available to families in their own homes over the months of February and March 2013. Referrals can be made directly to the Lifestart Foundation – a designated form is available and referrals will be accepted by email or over the telephone. Please note sessions begin on Monday 4th February and places are limited so referrals should be submitted as soon as possible.
Read more about Let's talk success here. For further information contact Karen or Emma on 028 7136 5363 or email karen@lifestartfoundation.org or headoffice@lifestartfoundation.org 21st January NI Childcare Cost Survey 2012 Report This is the third annual Childcare Cost Survey for Northern Ireland. Year on year Employers For Childcare Charitable Group collects, records and analyses the change in childcare costs across the region. Childcare Cost Surveys have been conducted in the other regions of the UK for the past 11 years. The Northern Ireland survey allows us to compare and contrast childcare costs across the whole UK.
As well as detailing childcare costs by childcare type and county, the survey also explores the challenges parents face in using and paying for childcare. This two-fold perspective allows us to capture not only the cost of childcare but also the impact this has on families in Northern Ireland. Read the full report here. 19th January Making The Difference awards The Belfast Telegraph is seeking nominations for its annual Making The Difference awards. Launched in 2010, the awards celebrate Northern Ireland’s unsung heroes - the inspirational individuals, projects and businesses which make a positive impact on daily lives. There are 11 categories: best street, best school, best volunteer, best neighbour, best enterprise, best art/sport/community project, spirit of youth, service with a smile, 999 hero, best garden, carer in the community, and the overall Making The Difference award. Do you know a tireless volunteer; a community, art or sport project at the heart of its area; a worthwhile business or not-for-profit venture; or an employee who goes above and beyond in their job? Belfast Telegraph really needs your nominations! Please email them (in 200 words) before the end of February to makingthedifference@belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Or post a nomination to: Making the Difference Awards, Belfast Telegraph 124-144 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1EB. To find out more click here.
18th January
Latest Newsletter from Women's Information NI The latest January edition of WINI's (Women's Information Northern Ireland) newsletter is available below. The newsletter has full details of their upcoming Complemetary and Alternative Therapies Fair in Knockbracken and a list of upcoming courses and one-off events.
WINI January 2013 Newsletter. 16th January Vacancy with Shankill Women’s Centre Shankill Women’s Centre are recruiting for the post of: Domestic Cleaner (Part time / Temporary)
Hours: 10 hours per week
Salary: £3,883
Closing Date: 21st January. Duties: General cleaning duties. For more information contact the Centre on 028 9024 0642 or email admin@shankillwomenscentre.org fro an application form. 15th January Here NI Events Winter Warmer Stress Less Programme
This 5 week programme which looks at ways to manage and cope with stress & entails 5 weekly 2 hour group sessions & one free therapy per week for each group session attended. This programme will start in early February. Wellness Day
A free health day for women on Saturday the 9th of February from 10 a.m to 4 p.m! We will have therapies available including reiki, massage & reflexology, diet & health advice & much more. Life Coaching & Mentoring Programme
This ongoing one to one programme continues weekly at the Here NI offices. Here NI is a place for Lesbian & Bisexual women & their families. To register your interest or for more information please contact tracey.mcdowell@hereni.org. 15th January ATLAS Women's Centre New Address! ATLAS Women's Centre have moved premises. The new postal address for the Centre is: ATLAS Women's Centre
7 Bachelors Walk
Lisburn
Co Antrim
BT28 1XJ Telephone Numbers and E-mail addresses have not changed. 14th January Free benefit check service at First Steps Women’s Centre First Steps Women’s Centre are now offering a FREE Benefit Check Service. If you or anyone you know would like to make an appointment or to find out more information on this service, please contact Pete Maguire on 028 8772 7648 or drop an email to fswc.benefitcheck@gmail.com. 11th January New year – New classes at greenway Women’s Centre A new programme of classes will be starting at Greenway Women's Centre next month. From ceramics and scrap booking to personal development and weight loss fitness - there should be something to suit every taste and ability.
Enrolment for new classes will take place from Monday 28th January to Friday 1st February 2013, between 10am and 2pm daily. Please note: Enrolment for all classes must be made in person.
For further information on all courses on offer at Greenway Women's Centre please contact Greenway's Training Support Officer, Helen Smyth. Telephone: 028 9079 9912 or Email: training@greenwaywomenscentre.org
11th January
Women V Cancer Cycle China 2014 Places are going very quickly for the next Women V Cancer cycle challenge in China.
This time the challenge is on to cycle 450km in the Beijing province. On this amazing challenge we will visit sections of the spectacular Great Wall and at the end of the ride there will be the chance to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Funds raised by the challenge will again support the work of three fantastic women's cancer charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.
For more information and to register please click here
We would really appreciate your support in forwarding this e-mail to all of your female friends, family and work colleagues so we can reach as many women as possible.
If you have any questions about the challenge please call us on 01590 677854.
10th January 2013
Free Theatre Performances for Community Groups Partisan Productions have three Forum Theatre Performances to offer interested community groups/organisations for the months of March and/or April 2013.
‘A Long Shot’ follows the day of a community worker. How will s/he deal with petty sectarianism emerging on the inaugural meeting of the Festival Committee? What can be done about the mess around the boney and all the flags in the area? How can we get some kind of community dividend from the property developer converting much loved buildings into yet more apartments? And how can s/he manage to have a quiet pint in the local pub without being accosted about the state of the bins? Can you help this community worker deal with the situations s/he faces?
The other performances deal with women's issues and parenting.
Anyone interested please contact Karen McFarlane by email ksmcfarlane@hotmail.com. 10th January Chrysalis Women’s Centre New Term! New courses starting this term: INTRODUCTION TO DIY - Thursday 14th January 7pm-9pm
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Begin with the end in mind. - Friday 1st March 10am-1pm
POSITIVE PARENTING - Wednesday 23rd January 10.30am-12.30pm
CREATIVE WRITING - Monday 7th January 10am-1pm
SAGE ACCOUNTS As well as ongoing courses:
Cooking on a budget
Accredited Horticulture – Level 2
Introduction to Computers
Knitting and Crochet
Spring crafts
Essential Skills: English and Maths
Computer training with qualifications
2nd January 2013 Vacancies at Footprints Women's Centre Childcare Assistant (Maternity Cover) Responsible To: Childcare Co-ordinator
Hours: 35 hours
Salary: £6.19 per hour
Aim: To contribute to the delivery of efficient quality childcare services within Footprints Womens Centre. Click here for a job description.
Flexible Childcare Assistant
Responsible To: Children’s Services Manager & Childcare Co-ordinator
Hours: 35 hours per week (Flexible)
Salary: £6.19 per hour
Aim: To contribute to the delivery of efficient quality childcare services within Footprints Womens Centre. Click here for a job description
Childcare Assistant 25 hours (12pm – 5pm, Mon-Fri)
Responsible To: Childcare Co-ordinator
Hours: 25 hours
Salary: £6.19 per hour
Aim: To contribute to the delivery of efficient quality childcare services within Footprints Womens Centre.
Click here for a job description.
Closing Date for all positions: 17th January 2012 For more information, please contact Carla Dyer, Footprints Women's Centre, 84a Colinmill, Poleglass, Belfast, BT17 0AR. Tel: 028 9092 3444 or email carla@footprintswomenscentre.com. 14th December ATLAS move to new premises In January 2013 ATLAS Women's Centre are moving to new premises at 7 Bachelor's Walk, Lisburn. These premises are bigger, brighter and more accessible to all, with a brand new cafe, larger creche and excellent education and leisure facilities. New and old members are warmly welcomed! 13th December Learning to Learn – A framework for early years education and Learning The Department of Education Early Years Strategy Team, wish to draw your attention to the publication of Learning to Learn – A Framework for Early Years Education and Learning which was launched by the Minister for Education on 4th December 2012. The document is subject to a focused consultation which provides an important opportunity to consider if any of the proposed actions for early education and learning require further refinemenr. The focused consultation period lasts from the date of publication and concludes on the 31st January 2013. Copies of the document and response booklet can be found at: http://www.deni.gov.uk/learning-to-learn.htm.
12th December
Christmas Appeal The West Against Racism Network (WARN) is organising a Christmas appeal for refugees and asylum seekers living in Belfast and beyond.
We are working with NICRAS to organise this. The Northern Ireland Community of Refugees and Asylum Seekers is the only Refugee led community organisation in the north that represents the interests of the refugee community ( www.nicras.btck.co.uk) Many of the individuals and families that NICRAS works with and supports are surviving on very small amounts of money and some are destitute.
You can help NICRAS to provide practical support to people thereby making their Christmas a little easier by donating some foodstuffs for a hamper or a Christmas gift. Tinned and non-perishable food needed and presents for all ages. Socks and warm clothes for adult men are particularly needed. The two drop off points and times for donations are as follows : Falls Community Council, 275-277 Falls Road, BT 12 6FD Tel: 90 246699 10am to 3pm until Tues 18 December 3pm. Human Rights Consortium, Cathedral Chambers, 3rd Floor, 143 Royal Ave, BT1 1FH. Tel: 90 313780 anytime between Mon – Fri 9.30am – 5.00pm, from 12th – 20th December (except Monday 17th December when the office will be closed)
Many thanks for your support
West Against Racism Network (WARN) 10th December VIEW Magazine Download the lastest VIEW magazine. View is a digital publication for the community and voluntary sector: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b18847b82a4e898ceb723276c&id=c62f1b4393&e=28c8078299. 30th November SURVEY: Regional Support for Women Survey Please find attached the link to a joint DSD/DARD survey designed to determine the specific needs of grassroots women’s organizations in disadvantaged and rural areas in terms of regional support. It is a short survey which should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. However, it is vitally important that where asked for detail you provide as much specific detail in respect of the needs of your organization. General statements such as “we need policy support” should be avoided. More useful to us would be the subject areas in which your organization requires such support. Information gained from this survey will help DSD and DARD to shape future regional support arrangements. Any organizations in receipt of this email which are membership organizations may wish to forward it to their members. Please note the closing date for responses is Friday 21st December. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/surveyofwomensorganisations Hard copies of the survey are available by writing to Corporate Services, Voluntary and Community Unit, Level 3 Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Business Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast BT7 2JB. 26th November 2012 VIEW Magazine Download the lastest VIEW magazine. View is a digital publication for the community and voluntary sector: http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=b18847b82a4e898ceb723276c&id=984306d903&e=28c8078299.
31st October
New Funding Booklet Available Jim Nicholson MEP has launched a funding booklet “An Introduction to European and Local Funding Opportunities” , the bboklet is a great resource as to the funding oppotunitiies available to Northern Irish groups and organisations. Download the booklet here: http://www.jim-nicholson.eu/Jim-Nicholson-MEP-Funding-Booklet.pdf
29th October
Rape in the Military: exposing the shocking truth – The Guardian.
The groundbreaking film The Invisible War exposes the shocking level of sexual abuse against women in the US military. Its concerns about rape are echoed in the UK.
'He hit me across the left side of my face … and my face hurt so bad. He screamed at me and he grabbed my arm and he raped me." Kori Cioca's heartbreaking account of her rape by a commanding officer while serving in the US Coast Guard is not the most shocking part of her testimony. Following the attack, Cioca was told by her superiors that if she went forward with her case she would be court-martialed for lying; her assailant, who admitted the attack but denied rape, then received just 30 days of base restriction and loss of pay and the US Department of Defense continues to refuse to pay for the surgery she needs for the nerve damage to her face.
Cioca is just one of the women interviewed in The Invisible War, a feature-length documentary that lifts the lid on the abuse of women in the US military and which got its first UK screening in the Frontline Club in London last week.
The film has raised similar concerns this side of the Atlantic that rape is a hidden scourge in the military. According to figures released to Labour MP Madeleine Moon, a rape or sexual assault is reported by a member of the armed forces every week. Over the past two and a half years, there have been 53 reported rapes and 86 reported sexual assaults in the army, the navy and the air force, but Moon believes the figure is an underestimation and could be as many as an attack a day.
Between 2001-2011, Ministry of Defence figures show 56 members of the armed forces were court-martialed for sexual offences – of these, just 16 resulted in a conviction.
UK screenings of The Invisible War are in the pipeline, as is its release on iTunes in the UK, while its makers are urging UK viewers to host their own screenings.
For more information on film, visit the website: http://invisiblewarmovie.com/
24th October
Basketball team for lesbian / bisexual women Belfast Whiptails is a basketball team for lesbian and bisexual women in Belfast. The team trains every friday night from 6-7pm at Shaftesbury Leisure Centre, Balfour Ave. Belfast. All LB women are welcome to join the team, simply get in touch with orlaith.hendron@hereni.org or call 028 9024 9452 for more info or just show up to training on Friday nights. Our new coach Eve Horner has a lot of coaching experience and is excited to come on board with the team. Join the Facebook group below https://www.facebook.com/groups/482133995140281/ This team has been funded by Belfast City Council Support for Sport grants.
18th October
Definition of domestic violence is extended to include ‘coercive control’ The current definition of domestic violence, which formally applies to adults, has been extended & widened to incorporate the aspect of “coercive control”, including emotional and physical abuse. It has also been widened to apply to victims under the age of 18 years old. The first high profile case to be tried under this new definition is that involving TV personality, Justin Lee Collins. After being convicted of harassing his former girlfriend, Collins was sentenced to a mere 140 hours of community service.
Chief Executive of the Women’s Resource Centre, Vivienne Hayes, commented to the Guardian that 'The problem with such a light sentence is that it sends out a message to both men and women that domestic violence is not that serious, when in reality we know that its impacts are devastating.' 16th October Marie Stopes Opening in Belfast – “The Detail” A LEADING sexual health organisation has confirmed it will be providing abortions privately when it opens its first centre in Northern Ireland next week.
Marie Stopes told The Detail that any pregnancy terminations conducted at its new premises in Belfast would be performed within Northern Ireland’s current legal framework for abortion.
A spokeswoman said: "Medical abortion up to nine weeks’ gestation will be available at the centre. Our provision of early medical abortion will be the same service that is currently available from the NHS in Northern Ireland, available only within the current legal framework: that is, if a woman’s life is at immediate risk or there is a risk of ‘real and serious’ long term or permanent damage to her physical or mental health, she may have an abortion in Northern Ireland.”
The new centre opens next Thursday, October 18th. To read the full story visit: http://www.thedetail.tv/issues/129/abortionclinic/marie-stopes-centre-to-open-in-belfast-next-week. 12th October UN Under Secretary and Head of UN Women addresses women's conference on anti-racism Michelle Bachelet, Under Secretary General of the United Nations and Head of UN Women called on women from minority backgrounds in Ireland to be leaders and to send a clear message to policy makers and society at large that racism, discrimination and violence against women from minority backgrounds comes at a cost to society.
Formally opening (through video link up) the Irish Network against Racism’s Women’s Conference in Dublin on 2ND October Ms Bachelet stated that, “Relative to other women, those of minority backgrounds seldom reap the benefits of economic growth. Policies that may benefit some or most women in society may not benefit al women in society and most is just not enough." She added “In difficult times women of minority ethnic backgrounds generally pay the highest price." Read the full press release here: http://www.nwci.ie/download/pdf/press_release_2_oct__womens_conference.pdf 11th October Hanna's House latest e zine available now Hanna’s House October e zine: http://www.hannashouse.net/PDFs/ezine_sept.pdf
9th October
Decrimalise Abortion protest in Belfast On October 6th, Pro-Choice supporters gathered at Belfast city hall to protest the current laws relating to abortion in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 'Decriminalise Abortion' - Belfast Street Demo from Campaign Social on Vimeo. 27th September 'A Wee Taste' - Play on Underage Drinking Special free performances for parents Tues 16th and Wed 17th October 2012 Are you worried about alcohol and your child? Last November, Sole Purpose Production's new play on underage drinking, A Wee Taste, won rave reviews from all who saw it. A Wee Taste, tells the story of Jenni, a 13 year old, who wants to be like everyone else. Her mother notices the change in her daughter's behaviour but feels powerless to do anything about it, although a wee glass of wine of an evening helps. Suddenly everything changes when Jenni's drinking brings her close to tragedy. Written by Patricia Byrne (Don't Say A Word, See No Evil), A Wee Taste features gripping performances by local actors Carmel McCafferty (Máire – A Woman of Derry) and Gemma Walker (Every Move You Make), and stunning direction by Shauna Kelpie. Underage drinking is a worrying trend and has been a problem in Derry Londonderry for quite some time. Research shows that 44% of young people in N Ireland had their first alcoholic drink between 11 and 13, with 15% being even younger. The same research has shown links between excessive alcohol consumption and physical harm, unsafe sexual behaviour, unintended pregnancy, traffic and other accidents, suicide and self-harm, failure at school, mental health problems and anti-social behaviour. Many people commented how useful this play would be to parents or young people and as such we are staging two special performances of A Wee Taste this month, aimed parents and those who work with young people. We believe it is an accessible and engaging way to tackle this difficult subject. Parents and youth workers are invited to attend, along with young people aged 13+.
“A Wee Taste is an engrossing and compelling play, it all worked really well. I noticed that all the young people around me were engrossed too – quite an achievement! Gemma Walker and Carmel McCafferty were brilliant, the script flowed really well. Congratulations!”
Christina McClements, The Northlands Centre There are two performances, the first in Oakgrove Integrated College at 7pm on Tuesday 16th October and the second at the Playhouse on Wednesday 17th October at 8pm. Both performances will be followed by short Q&As with the actors in character. A Wee Taste was been developed in consultation with the Northlands Centre, The Drink Think Project, and Community Direct. It is supported by The Drink Aware Trust. Both performances are free of charge but please do book your place – for the Oakgrove performance contact John Harkin on 028 7186 0443 or email jharkin576@cskni.net and for the Playhouse performance contact the box office on 028 7126 8027 or online at www.derryplayhouse.co.uk. For further information on the play and the work of Sole Purpose Productions please contact the Artistic Director, Patricia Byrne, on 028 7127 9918 email solepurpose@mac.com. 19th September New guidelines issued on domestic abuse - BBC News The definition of domestic abuse has been widened so it covers forms of non-violent coercive behaviour and under-18s for the first time. It means behaviour such as preventing partners from leaving the house or having access to a phone could lead to a prosecution. It is hoped the broadened definition will increase awareness of what domestic abuse is and who suffers it. The Home Office says more prosecutions could be brought as a result. It also wants more youngsters to come forward and access the support they need - for example, speaking to someone about the abuse or contacting a helpline or a specialist service. The changes, which will be implemented in March 2013, follow calls from local authorities, police and voluntary organisations. The Association of Chief Police Officers welcomed the change, saying that, on average, two women a week and one man every 17 days were murdered by a current or former partner. Read the full story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-19640257. 13th September Breast cancer screening does 'more good than harm' - BBC News Breast cancer screening saves the lives of two women for every one patient who receives unnecessary treatment, according to a major European review. There has been a fierce debate about the use of screening, and policy is being reviewed in England. The latest study, published in the Journal of Medical Screening, said at least seven lives were saved for every 1,000 women screened. Health charities say the findings will provide further clarity for women. Mammograms spot dangerous tumours, increasing the chances of survival, but also detect lumps that are essentially harmless, exposing some women to undue anxiety and surgery. Tens of thousands of women die from breast cancer across Europe each year. The effectiveness of screening programmes across the continent was evaluated in a series of studies. It concluded that for every 1,000 women screened, between seven and nine lives were saved and four cases were over-diagnosed. Read the full article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-19571173. 6th September CRC Mark Anniversaries The Community Relations Council have launched a webpage dedicated to Marking Anniversaries to coincide with the Decade of Centenaries period 2012 – 2023. Texts from the Decade of Centenaries lecture series and videos are available along with a timeline of significant events and other resources. One of the videos available focuses on The Women’s Movement in Ireland 1910 – 1922 with a lecture by WRDA Director, Margaret Ward. 4th September Join Greenway Women’s Centre on Facebook Greenway Women’s Centre has set up a Facebook page to help keep Centre users up to date with events at Greenway.
You can view Greenway’s Facebook Page at: http://www.facebook.com/GreenwayWomensCentre. 13th August OFMDFM Funding Report OFMDFM have published a review report of Funding for Women’s Groups and Organisations. http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/review-report-funding-for-womens-groups-organisations-june-2012.pdf.
19th July
Groups welcome passing of Bill on gender quotas - Irish Times, 20th July 2012 GENDER QUOTAS are set to become law after the Electoral Amendment (Political Funding) Bill 2011 passed all stages in the Dáil yesterday. The legislation, which has yet to be signed by the President, will halve State funding to parties unless 30 per cent of their candidates at the next general election are women. This figure will rise to 40 per cent at subsequent general elections. An advocacy group that campaigns for gender equality in Irish politics, the 50:50 group, welcomed the Bill’s passage and praised Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, who sponsored the legislation. Chairwoman Edel Clancy described the development as “extremely positive”. “International research continually shows that candidate gender quotas are a successful contributor to increasing women’s political representation worldwide. “We warmly welcome the gender quota proposal as we believe it will contribute significantly to redressing the gender imbalance in Irish politics,” she said. However, she called for the quota to be extended to local elections in 2014. The lobby group Women for Election also welcomed the development, but said the legislation would not be enough to encourage more women into politics. Co-founder Niamh Gallagher said other “proactive” measures, such as mentoring and training, were necessary to encourage more women to run for office. The legislation has proved contentious in the past, with a small number of Government backbenchers speaking out against it. Earlier this year Fine Gael general secretary Tom Curran said the measure was essential to bring more women into politics, but warned “there’s going to be blood on the floor” at selection conventions as a consequence. 9th July Rally for Choice - Belfast On 7th July Youth Defence had their 'Rally for Life in Belfast' but did not forsee the huge resistance to this in the form of a 'Rally for Choice' organised for the same day as a counter measure. If you missed out on attending the rally, you can catch up on the action from the video below... Rally for Choice - Belfast 2012 from Campaign Social on Vimeo. Photos from the day are also available for viewing through the following link: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/media/set/?set=a.392271734165961.87095.271670719559397&type=1.
2nd July
Oxfam - Ending Poverty Starts With Women You're more likely to go hungry and be kept out of school if you're a woman. You're also less likely to own land or have the right to make decisions affecting your life. Poverty has a female face. But so does the solution. Ending Poverty Starts With Women is Oxfam's new campaign to put women's rights on the agenda. We want to secure greater government support for projects that promote women's rights and combat violence against women and girls. Sharon Corr is lending her voice to our campaign and we want you to as well. "I’m proud to support the campaign because when women are treated as equals, everyone benefits. Please join me by adding your voice too." For more information visit the website: http://www.oxfamireland.org/women/. 14th June Greater North Belfast Women Networking Celebration Event WRDA would like to congratulate Greater North Belfast Women Networking (GNBWN) on the recent launch of their report ‘A report into the Development of the Greater North Belfast Women’s Networking Initiative’. The report tells the story of the women’s journey to date from March 2010 to March 2012; how they have moved forward and plans they have for the next phase of their development. Baroness May Blood provided the keynote speech and opened the group’s art installation, which comprised photographs of the work of the women over the last two years displayed on ceramic plates.
Lynn Carvill who attended the morning launch said, “It was a really enjoyable event and to see how women from all different areas and backgrounds have come together to tackle issues of common interest is uplifting. They are a great group of women ably led by Anne Carr who is evidently passionate about bringing women together to build relationships and work collectively. An interesting and quirky art installation was also unveiled and I was over the moon to see our report cover from ‘The Northern Ireland Economy: Women on the Edge?’ immortalised in ceramic!” 28th May New Fund backs Northern Ireland women A new Fund has been launched to help local women achieve their full potential. Managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, the new Women’s Fund for Northern Ireland was launched on Thursday 24th May at Stormont. A target of £25,000 has been set for the first year of the fund and a call has been made for local people and businesses to pledge their support through a number of ways. These include raising the profile of the Fund amongst their own networks and local communities and contributing towards the fundraising target. Explaining why the Fund had been established, Dr Joan Smyth CBE, Chair of the Steering Committee set up to oversee the Fund, said; “I imagine most people can recall a time in their life when the supportive action of another allowed them to advance their career, their education or perhaps even take a brave step into the unknown. “The Women’s Fund aims to help women overcome the barriers currently preventing their personal development, by providing small grants to foster and develop new opportunities in their own lives. “I firmly believe that this is our opportunity to work together to empower local women to take the next important step in their own lives, in order to fulfil their potential. “I do hope everyone, male or female, will join me and others in support of this important initiative.” In the first year of operation, the priority of the Fund will be to support young women, aged 18-30, to help build confidence and self-esteem, leadership skills, new knowledge and skills, to improve health and wellbeing or literacy and numeracy.
Helen McKeever, Fund Development Manager with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, believes; “A Fund focussed on women in Northern Ireland could make a huge difference to our society and indeed our economy. To paraphrase the current US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton; investing in the potential of local women is one of the surest ways to achieve economic progress, political stability, and greater prosperity for women in Northern Ireland. We have already seen the contribution women have brought to the peace process, with women taking part on the floor of the Assembly and participating right up to Executive level at Stormont, where the Fund was launched. The message must ring out clear to all our women and girls – you can reach your potential, and the Women’s Fund for Northern Ireland is here to help you.” For further information, or to make a contribution to the Women’s Fund for Northern Ireland, visit www.communityfoundationni.org/donate. 16th May Lo and Curran delighted with Northern Visions/NvTv Interim Funding Alliance South Belfast MLA Anna Lo and Laganbank Cllr Cathy Curran have welcomed the news that NvTv had secured interim funding after talks facilitated by Belfast City Council with DCAL and the Arts Council. Anna Lo said: "I raised this issue with the Culture Minister in April and I am delighted that NvTv has secured interim funding. NvTv makes an invaluable contribution to the arts community and creative industry of Belfast and Northern Ireland, providing jobs, developing specialised skills and bolstering the local community. I had grave concerns that the loss of NvTv would create a significant cultural deficit at a time when we need to prioritise growing our cultural product." Cllr Cathy Curran said: "I am relieved that NvTv have secured interim funding and sincerely hope that a solution for their funding can be secured in the long term. At a time when we are celebrating the success of events like Titanic Belfast and MTV Europe Music Awards, it is vital that we continue to support our local arts community and the development of a vibrant arts and creative sector. Both Anna and I will be monitoring this funding situation with great interest and wish NvTv all the best for the future."
6th May
JRF Report – Monitoring poverty & social exclusion in Northern Ireland 2012 How have poverty, work, benefits and education changed in Northern Ireland since 2009? This new report from The Joseph Rowntree Foundation updates the 2009 report, written as the recession was hitting Northern Ireland especially hard. Northern Ireland had seen a steeper rise in unemployment than any other part of the UK. Since then, there has been long-term improvement in some areas but persistent problems in others. Key points from the report - In the three years to 2009/10, 22% of people in Northern Ireland were living in poverty.
Poverty for children, working-age adults and pensioners has risen since the middle of the last decade. The rise in pensioner poverty in Northern Ireland coincided with a fall in Great Britain. All the increase in poverty came in working or retired households. Half of the 120,000 children in poverty live in working households. On average, between 2009 and 2011, 34% of working-age adults in Northern Ireland were not in paid work. This is higher than the Great Britain average but similar to Wales and regions in the north of England. In 2011, 38% of working-age women were workless compared with 28% of working-age men. Children on free school meals are much more likely not to attain expected levels of educational qualifications. In 2010, 69% of pupils on free school meals did not achieve five GCSEs at A*–C (including maths and English) compared with 36% of other pupils and this gap has not closed over time.
To read a copy of the full report you can access it on the JRF website -
http://www.jrf.org.uk/publications/monitoring-poverty-northern-ireland-2012. 27th April NI Commissioner launches Welfare Reform Publication The NI Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY) launched two publications on the 26th April on Welfare Reform and its potential negative impact on families with children. Please find below links to the press release and the publications. Issues highlighted at the event include: few families with children will be unaffected NI, in comparison to the UK, has the highest proportion of children, higher levels of disability, and likely to lose more income than any other region outside London thousands of children and young people will suffer increased hardship and adverse life outcomes thousands of children and young people will suffer significantly reduced living standards
Press article: http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuId=14348. View or download the reports at:
http://www.niccy.org/article.aspx?menuid=14265. 27th April JOIN THE MAY DAY PROTEST 2012 Belfast Women say: “Empty Cameron and Clegg’s purse not ours” 1st May 2012 meet at Speranza’s just below Shaftsbury Square and then gather at the protest venue. 12.00pm. Back to the Future-Women and poverty, again Who are we?
We are women who are (and whose families are): Community Workers, Civil Servants, we work in the Private Sector, and for the NHS, we work as volunteers, we are unemployed, lone parents, immigrant workers, we are pensioners and teenagers. We are from the communities of, North, South, East and West Belfast.: we are individuals and we are in organisations. BUT unlike the 23 Ministers who help to make up the British Government, we are not millionaires. PROTEST
This protest is taking place on the 1st May in Belfast is to show our opposition to Government Policy regarding the Welfare Reform Bill and the attacks on social services and jobs. The Reforms are complicated some have been implemented , they began last year and will continue for at least the next five years- It is not just the “reforms” in benefits that we are concerned about, but also the whole dismantling of the National Health Service and Welfare State. See our press statement and leaflet for more details, available on the day. Women, men, youth, community organisations and trade unions are all welcome. 20th April Small Wonders childcare centre gets £700,000 of EU funds A childcare centre in west Belfast is to get £700,000 in EU funding to promote its cross-community work. Twelve new jobs are to be created at the Small Wonders project off the Shankill Road. It is the group's second education facility and aims to provide childcare places for children from the Falls and Shankill areas. The project is jointly funded by the executive and the Irish government. Betty Carlisle from the Shankill Women's Centre, which manages the initiative, said it would have long-term benefits for the community. "I think for the children that they're going to be growing up thinking this is just quite normal and it would be a quite normal walk through those barriers up there and come to the Shankill community and vice versa for kids in the Shankill," she said. Congratulations to Shankill from all the staff at WRDA!
17th April Village Surestart offers new dimension for children Village Surestart's sensory room in Belfast adds a new dimension of learning across all areas of the curriculum. For example, sand and water play changes under UV lights with the addition of Tonic water and washing powder stimulating sight, touch and smell. Painting with UV paints encourages creativity. Using projector wheels users can tell stories and promote imaginary play. The shape projector and the changing of colour support mathematical development. The sensory room is an excellent addition to Village Surestart's quality day care facility and was opened in 2010 with funding from Children in Need. This room is the only interactive sensory room in a day care setting in Northern Ireland. All the equipment can be controlled by the children, even by those as young as six months old. This facility is free to parents and professionals by appointment.
You can see more on Village Surestart's website www.villagesurestartchildrenscentre.co.uk. To arrange a visit or find out more details contact 028 9043 7701 or email villagesurestart@btconnect.com
6th April Hanna’s House Spring Edition Ezine Welcome to the Spring edition of the Hanna’s House Ezine. We hope you will find it relevant and interesting and that we can engage you in a conversation on the feminist issues that we are passionate about. This season’s focus is on the subject of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325), and ideas on how we can implement the resolution throughout Ireland and the positive impact it could have on women who have been affected by conflict. To read these articles open the PDF here: Hanna's House Spring ezine or go to www.hannashouse.net and to keep up to date with our activities around the country which include film and networking evenings, seminars, parliamentary briefings and an all-Ireland conference in Croke Park on 5th November click into www.facebook.com/hannashouse we look forward to seeing you at one of these events. 4th April Urgent information for Working Age Couples with Children who get Working Tax Credit Couples with children who are receiving Working Tax Credit where one partner is receiving Carer’s Allowance are at risk of losing their full tax credits unless they contact the Tax Credit Office by 6th April. From the 6th of April the Government is increasing the number of hours a couple with children has to work in order to receive Working Tax Credit (lone parents are not affected). Instead of needing to work for 16 hours or more a week couples with children will have to work 24 hours a week or more. If they are unable to find the extra hours they will lose their entitlement to Working Tax Credit. However, following campaigning from Carers UK and other groups including the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group and USDAW the union, the Government has announced that couples including someone on Carer’s Allowance will be exempt from this increase from 16 to 24 hours. This means that a couple with at least one dependent child and where one partner is entitled to Carer’s Allowance, will continue to be able to receive Working Tax Credit if one parent is working for at least 16 hours a week. This includes people with an ‘underlying entitlement’ to Carer’s Allowance - where you are entitled to the benefit but it is not being paid to you because you receive other benefits which are seen to ‘overlap’ with Carer’s Allowance. The Tax Credits Office should already know that someone in your household is receiving Carer’s Allowance if you informed them of this when you claimed Working Tax Credit. However if you are not sure, and particularly if you have started to receive Carer’s Allowance since you claimed Working Tax Credit, you should contact the Tax Credit Office to tell them you are entitled to Carer’s Allowance. To contact the Tax Credit Office, you can call 0345 300 3900, email via www.hmrc.gov.uk/contactus/email.htm or write to: Tax Credit Office, Preston, PR1 4AT You should provide your full name, date of birth, National Insurance Number and email address (if you have one) and inform them that you fulfil one of these exceptions. New entitlement to childcare costs As well as protecting carers from this change, the Government has announced that couples receiving Working Tax Credit which include someone receiving Carer’s Allowance will now be able to claim extra tax credits for childcare if they pay for registered/approved childcare. Again, if this applies to you, you should inform the Tax Credits Office to ensure you receive the extra amount. You can do this from 6th April, but should do it by 6th May 2012. For more information on the Government’s other changes to the benefits system, read our Welfare Reform Frequently Asked Questions at: http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/focus-on/item/2479-welfare-reform-your-questions-answered. 29th March Female genital mutilation officially banned in Ireland - The Journal A bill outlawing the practice was passed by the Seanad this afternoon having already gone through all the stages in the Dáil. As well as prohibiting the practice, the new legislation means anyone resident in Ireland who takes a girl abroad to have FGM performed will now be subject to prosecution in Ireland. AkiDwA, the network of African and migrant women in Ireland which had campaigned for the legislation, said that the Bill sent a clear message to parents and guardians that FGM will not be tolerated. Senator Ivana Bacik , who had first proposed the Bill, said that the legislation had been long overdue. Over 3,000 women living in Ireland are believed to have undergone FGM. To read the full story.... http://www.thejournal.ie/female-genital-mutilation-officially-banned-in-ireland-399707-Mar2012/. 20th March A ‘Safe Place’ in Dungannon A new service in Dungannon aims to raise awareness of services available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. Safe Place is funded by the Dungannon Community Safety Partnership and has been created by the social economy business Onus, in conjunction with local PSNI and Cookstown and Dungannon Women’s Aid. Safe Place is a recently developed initiative, where victims can access information on services provided in relation to domestic abuse. Local businesses, agencies, Churches, Council facilities and community groups will display the ‘Safe Place’ logo, to indicate they have information within their premises. Any additional businesses who would like further information on the Safe Place initiative or ‘Pathways For Participation’ to support people living with abuse would be welcomed. Information can be obtained from Colette Stewart at Onus on 028 2563 2136 or by visiting the website www.onustraining.co.uk. 2nd March
Childminding Solutions
NICMA has launched a new initiative entitled Childminding Solutions. This new emergency childminding scheme is aimed at families, who require childcare at short notice, in an emergency or at a time of need. This service will also enable parents to attend training. Childminding services will be offered in a childminders home, tailored to meet the specific needs of parents in local areas and may include weekend and overnight care. As a parent you can be confident that your child is being cared for by a local registered childminder, who holds appropriate insurance cover. Search the NICMA website www.nicma.org to access a childminder in your local area or contact Lyn Bradley on 0871 200 2063 Monday to Thursday 9am - 4.30pm, Friday 9am - 1pm.
There is no fee to access the list of registered childminders. Charges for childcare will be negotiated on an individual basis.
2nd March
Irish women earn 17% less than men
Women are still earning substantially less than men in Ireland despite efforts to promote equality in the workplace. According to a study by the European Commission, women here earn on average 17.1 per cent less than men. The study also indicated that only 123,000 women in Ireland earn more than €50,000 per year in comparison to 254,000 men.
The report, published today to coincide with European Equal Pay Day, noted the gender pay gap existed even though women did better at school and university than men. It found women across the European Union earned on average 17 per cent less per hour than their male counterparts.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2012/0302/breaking15.html
2nd February
Charity Commission Report The Charity Commission has recently published a report into the first 100 concerns that it has received, and how it has investigated them.
The report will benefit charities who want to get their governance right. This women’s groups dotted across Northern Ireland, many of whom have been granted charitable tax status.
Access the report here http://www.charitycommissionni.org.uk/RSS/Updates/Charityconcernsreach100.aspx 1st February The Pink Ladies Pins and Wedding Favours The Pink Ladies have designed and are selling their very own ‘Pink Ladies Pins’ which are on sale for £1 fromt he Gasyard Centre. The Pink Ladies also provide Wedding Favours for your special day. If you are interested in purchasing either a pin / wedding favours or would like more information, contact Michelle on 028 7136 5330 or email michelle@bbhealthforum.org 25th January Older Women shouldn't dismiss Cervical Cancer Risk - Telegraph
Too many think that the smear test is "irrelevant" for them, according to a YouGov poll for Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, because they wrongly think the cancer is just caused by sleeping around.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9028190/Older-single-women-dismissing-cervical-cancer-risk.html 22nd November NICVA's Gender Budgeting Masterclass takes place On Friday 18th November the Centre for Economic Empowerment’s third masterclass examined the important and emerging field of gender budget analysis. The seminar was addressed by Professor Ailsa McKay of Glasgow Caledonian University, a leading authority and practitioner of gender budget analysis in Scotland and the UK. Professor McKay was joined by Lynn Carvill. a women’s sector lobbyist with the Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) in Northern Ireland, who is working with others to establish a Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Group. Full details of the day including all the presentations and comments are now available on the NICVA website: http://www.nicva.org/news/masterclass-studies-gender-budget-analysis
17th November
Women and the Cuts Toolkit Available Now Analyse the equality and human rights impact of the cuts on women in your area – the new TUC/Coventry Women’s Voices toolkit shows how! Coventry Women’s Voices and the TUC have launched the Women and the Cuts Toolkit for unions and local groups wanting to do a human rights and equality impact assessment of the cuts on women in their town or city. The toolkit looks at the impact of the cuts in eleven key areas: Employment
Education and training
Housing
Welfare reform
Health
Social care
Services for children and young people (and their families)
Legal aid
Transport
Violence against women
Women’s voluntary organisations
For each area it provides an over-view of what cuts are happening and how these cuts will affect women, including the impact on specific groups of women such as BAME women or disabled women. It then shows how to research the likely local impact of these cuts, giving links to sources of national data that can be broken down by area, suggestions for where to look for local data and a guide to carrying out local consultations. The toolkit also contains guides to promoting the findings of local research through campaigning, lobbying and media work. Unions and voluntary groups will be able to use this toolkit to provide evidence of what the cuts will mean for women in their area. With many of the cuts having been devolved to local councils, primary care trusts and other local public bodies this local evidence is vital to highlight what the impact on women will be in practice. You can access the toolkit here: Women and the Cuts Toolkit
31st October
Third Sector knowledge portal launches in Northern Ireland The Third Sector Research Centre, in partnership with the British Library and Big Lottery Fund, have launched a new online Knowledge Portal to enable greater access to research on the voluntary and community sector. The Portal is a new destination site for research and information, bringing together reports from voluntary and community sector organisations, academic analysis, and government studies in an easy to use online catalogue of links and downloads. Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund, formally launched the Portal as a diverse, reliable new resource for the sector across Northern Ireland and the whole of the UK.
The Portal could help your organisation’s publications reach a wider audience. Please contact Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC) if you have relevant research or recommendations for inclusion either by email: knowledgeportal@tsrc.ac.uk or Twitter: @3rdSectorPortal 31st October 2011 European Women’s Lobby Advocacy Movement The European Women’s Lobby has initiated a broad European advocacy movement lobbying for comprehensive EU action on violence against women and for a European Year on combating and preventing violence against women. We believe that we would send a strong message if all EWL national coordinations and European member organizations joined the Coalition. If you want to join, please register on the website, or send an email to pape@womenlobby.org. Moreover, please ask your member organizations to join the Coalition. Your help is also needed to get the support of decision-makers at national level, don’t hesitate to contact your national decision-makers to have them join the Coalition.
11th October
NUS launches new website for female students A new website aimed at supporting female students who have experienced violence has been launched by the National Union of Students (NUS). The Hidden Marks site is a response to the Union's research report which revealed one in seven female students experience a serious physical or sexual assault during their time as a student. The site is intended to be a "one-stop shop" for information on different support services that are available. Visit the site at http://hiddenmarks.org.uk/2010/. 9th August Women and Parliaments revised – Engender.org.uk Dr Catriona Burness has revised Women and Parliaments in the UK to include the results from the UK General Election last year and the elections to the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly in May this year. This is a fantastic resource which includes listings of all the female MPs since 1918 and all the current and former female members of the devolved governments as well as statistical summaries.
(Check out WRDA’s mention on page 31!) To download the report click here. |