POWERFUL WOMEN VOICES IN MASSES- How are they really connected? Working to Advance Women - CEDAW in the UK

Today I was intrigued with the lack of awareness on the work of CEDAW in the UK and its united global developments with women outreach workers. So much that stunned local grass roots activists and the community and voluntary sector since its history of its creation; yes I am talking about the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women; a basic principle of the UN.

The committee has specific aims and a purpose to oversee the progress of women matters within the 23 states the committee belongs to in the form of a structural mandate monitoring progress.

IMPROVING THE LIVES OF WOMEN

What springs to mind is how the connection between specialists and practitioners in the sector have certain disparities. Far from reaching women through case studies and allowing them to effectively contribute to the submissions in the shadow reports which are to be reviewed at the committee every four years. There are many in the sector prepared to address gender equality, gather and have discussion forums in the community. These real women working daily, deal with issues in the UK from eliminating discrimination amongst new migrant women to providing employment prospects & health provision . I wonder how they can coordinate activities to ensure their views and recommendations are taken into account in the body of reports to bring to the committee's attention. The WNC now abolished which was an effective lobby tool had some scope and merit to champion issues for women, it will be interesting to see how CEDAW gathers momentum on the ground. I look forward to seeing the feedback from the report submitted in preparation for May 2011.

Yes we must not easily forget the disadvantaged from accessing health provision and welfare to education, including employment opportunities, preventative measures to address all strands of violence against women.

They knew very little and outcomes of the CEDAW Articles & achievements. The elected members by states the 'so called experts' flag the committee with their knowledge on the subject matter based on these reports. Let's hope the real women are brought into the discussions over a period of time than silo activity from a passionate view.

The training video will be of interest to those who wish to learn more about the work of CEDAW, take time to request one and see me explain what it meant to me.

Read More

CCHQ WORKING WITH CONSERVATIVE WOMEN

Working with Barbara to develop the annual AGM conference in March 2011.The Executive at CCHQ also supporting my campaign, providing valuable guidance on strategy, canvassing and literature content for my first draft and that much loyalty and support on local issues. These are the crucial tips that help prepare you for a campaign! Both Barbara and Denise are active and already councillors with years of experience.

I also sought advise from the Midlands Regional Conservative Party Chairman. It was Gordon who encouraged me to stand at the CWO annual AGM in 2010.

He expressed his view to ensure diverse candidates stood in elections. From his wise words, I have enjoyed the new set of skills acquired to stand in public office; policy, lobbying, campaign strategy development and really getting proactive; working with communities and their interests.

Read More

REFERENDUM - DO THE BRITISH PEOPLE CARE ON ALTERNATIVE VOTE?

Yes it's nearly here, the fiasco between the House of Lords debating in twilight hours finally the second House is scrutinising on the AV referendum.

As the 100 day mark to countdown has already passed and concessions agreed at the House of Lords or near enough, the deadline is looming, the campaign teams for and against on this cross party initiative seem to get the normal public confused at the best of times despite candidates attempting to be enthusiastic about the referendum and its benefits on the day of local elections.

Do people seek & care for change in the electoral system? Will the power of AV be taking voting rights from the people? These are the questions that remain with me. 

The thought of coalitions, little planned manifestos for change, numerous counting and recounts, the very nature of only 3 countries in the world have the AV, questions its effectiveness. 

Donations are spread campaigning the cause, however the difficulty surfaces on the canvassing elements to local parties making people vote on the referendum; the advantage or disadvantages when simply no one understands the AV system. Patrons across all sides are doing their bit to raise awareness with the general public in virtual silence. The big hitters supporting the AV like Joseph Rowntree are not getting the cross party support as hoped from the popular politicians. 

I look forward to the referendum date on the 5th May 2011; assuming it is going ahead to see the voter turnout and the real outcomes. How will the electorate benefit from this electoral reform? This matters if it succeeds as it will change how we all see politics and democracy play out in the future.

Read More

Welfare Reform and the Big Society what it means to local communities supporting the destitute and needy.

St Chads Sanctuary Birmingham with Iain Duncan Smith MP.

Today Minister for Work and Pensions arrived for a visit to Birmingham. It was the opportunity to highlight the work done by dedicated volunteers assisting refugees and asylum seekers to maintain service provision and share their community building experiences.

I attended the visit to inform the Minister of the work undertaken by the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership Regional Women Issues Group. How the group strategically works to coordinate the service provision for refugees, asylum seekers and new migrant women ensuring balance of needs are sustained and developed to ensure measures are monitored for their safety, care and well being without inequalities. 

Despite lean spending and funds scarce, I hoped the community and voluntary sector would be supported with further opportunities and empower citizens on new social action projects to actively get them involved locally. This would build their confidence and skill base, community cohesion and integration in a safe environment.

How much can we do to ensure the Big Society is not lost in mere words? Firstly we must unite and understand the needs of these communities and the imminent support required to them with the very basic necessities, care understanding and advice. Volunteers attend for a few hours a day to help them, from a hundred members of the vulnerable groups in a week arrive come at the door in this part of the city.

Conservative activists were also present with the Minister campaigning his welfare reform agenda and impact to innovative social action projects. The communities that impact working with the most vulnerable in society had a detailed discussion with the Minister on the Sanctuary work, the level of groups that attended were provided food, clothing and hygiene products. 

Where possible basic education lessons were also taught to new arrivals by the Salvation Army. Sister Margaret gave a  tour on the facilities and home services available. 

I sincerely hope communities will recognise the volunteering importance and fully support the Big Society vision. They desperately need help, we firstly must empower the needy to become active accountable citizens. Citizenship empowerment comes with mutual respect to enable these communities to locally improve their lives; for their families from encountering destitute will this Big Society work for all.

Read More