PRINCESS NORA BINT ABDULRAHMAN UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN ONLY- HOW WILL THEY GET THERE?

Is it something to be joyful about? Saudia Arabia has opened its largest female only university by King Abdullah himself, well so much talk about the driving ban on Saudi women, the country has set the world to see how women are academically going to achieve at this University; the Princess Nora bint Abdulrahman. Its base will accommodate over 40,000 female students, let's hope travelling arrangements with transport facilities are adequate to get these Saudi women easily there.

However I do call it some progress, the statistics look depressing at the best of times, need I say we will always call it the first world's largest university for women but underlying factors remain, this country also has the lowest employment level for women in the world; ironic, we can look deeper into how segregation for these women been assimilated in professions, catering for subjects available at this University. Will they be reconfirming and teaching subjects for gender specific professions such as nursing or boldly go far as media and engineering?

We know that media is far too populated with males. Then we have figures confirming no political empowerment globally for women in this country. Funding a female only university cannot be a half hearted attempt, a dream come true if we see accessibility of a broad range of studies carried out traditionally by males are offered to these female students, along with the independence to travel and reside in the accommodation onsite facilities. This will ensure women truly have the freedom to choose to study and enhance their career followed by real job prospects.

King Abdullah and his advisors may want to do further field work and taking the views of the Human Rights Watch.

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DAVID SETS THE BAR- A PM POINTING OUT BROKEN PROMISES

Thank goodness David spoke his mind at the G8 summit, defending his stance on the aid budget to the poorest countries.I'm pleased our Government is thinking of the developing world and its contributions. Aid to Africa is crucial for progress, global impact and how the British are seen in generosity are equally important as addressing conflict in civil wars. It was pleasing to learn, he made a point to fellow world leaders to make the commitment and difference.

However with Libya and interventions in other areas, how will this impact foreign aid budgets in the future? We don't have all the answers. Well done David in stating the obvious on this occasion, Afghanistan's defense budget would have been better utilized for aid in Africa, a valid point and dramatically noted amongst the leaders in the G8 summit in Deauville, France, recently.

My passion to support the developing world is minor considering what influence and power our PM has on cautious eyes amongst world leaders, they need to play their part in addressing inequality amongst the poorest countries. Public pledges are there for a purpose to be honored, naming and shaming countries that are failing their pledges and promises should be noted at a time of international gathering. Italy and Germany were held to account or at least reminded of their broken promises.  David keep setting the bar.

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Female Foetus - India's young aborted-

How does a country like India aborts its female young foetus? It's devastating to hear the statistics and how this business of aborting a female foetus is being formalized by 'back street' clinics. 6 million were aborted in the last decade alone, this type of gender selection surely cannot be acceptable practice by society in India?

Whilst India may be coming to terms that the world is watching them, scientists, academics are naming the reasons, their excuse or justification, they simply want a boy because some families have the wealth to select and terminate. Despite those undertaking gender selection of foetus as surgical practice, should this really be allowed? How alarming can this be when you learn that affluent families and the educated are setting this trend?

How the laws of India are flawed?

The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (1996) passed to prevent medical staff informing the sex of the foetus, gender pre-selection is still being carried out despite this law.

The census data highlighted the gap recently.

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MICHELLE OBAMA IS THE ONE WE ALL REMEMBER

The State visit is over yet I only remember Michelle Obama, not Barack, the mood and her presence. She lit up so many eyes, young women surrounded her, as did the students at Oxford and we find a new role model has been born again.

The visit was not all about Barack's Statesmanship, even our Queen made us proud as host with British personnel, for me Michelle gave the young students a pep talk like no other, a life coach style attitude that worked well for those whom were privileged enough to hear it.

As many eagerly waited to be mesmerized by Barack's speech, focussed always on her husband actions with our Prime Minister, and limiting her presence on style and dress, yes Michelle's Jimmy Choo boots at a Number 10 barbecue parade, today I will not forget Michelle Obama.

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WHO'S TAKING SAUDI ARABIA FOR A RIDE? MANAL-AL SHERIF - SHE'S NO PUSH OVER

Move aside and watch the brave woman from Saudi who captured the world's attention, her defying determination to spread her cause and the first to show how women in this part of the world are restricted from driving.

The Saudi's will not gain any sympathy for rearresting Manal-al Sherif, our activist protesting the lack of women driving around freely in the front wheel, instead in Saudia Arabia they are banned. In this day and age we are not seeking chauffeurs, husbands & partners to help us see the world in a car, we can drive, reaching new heights and the skies. Why is it any different in Saudia Arabia?

Thanks once again with the power of communications through social media, her Facebook page behind the wheel caused a mass following, the authorities are charging her for violating public order offences, her supporters in thousands will be disappointed to learn the page has been closed, even I have searched on Facebook. 

Women drive for many reasons, doing the school run, work, caring needs to meet families, pleasure, leisure activities and their independence, it's interesting to read articles in the media that women are portrayed in Saudia Arabia as 'loose' women, looking to attract strangers through driving. Oh please! Who is living in Saudi Arabia? Please tell me this mentality is not in the majority? Even I will lose the will to live if this is the case, it's a car, not a vehicle to move women into sexual liaisons, if this is the rationale to ban Saudi women, it's distasteful and a poor excuse to barricade women like prisons, chaperone them with men to avoid their freedom to drive and express the will to do so alone. The car ban for me only reminds me how this country is looking to cave women in homes and limit their travels with prying eyes confined. The fact that women cannot vote in Saudia Arabia which is also very limited to a few areas is alarming too. 

I cannot imagine not driving my car, for years of travelling and the independence, these women should have the equal right, to be the only country to ban women from driving is not progressive. Social media protests have brought countries to conflict, halt and attention for democracy and change. I hope we all back this particular cause to make this driving ban removed like changing other political landscapes. 

Only the world of social media can help Manal-al Sherif, I pray her efforts and strong power to protest, in this manner works, to make change happen with her journey and driving experience. I'm not intending to be a passenger on this one!

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Rape & the controversy with the Clarke Fiasco - Opportunity to bring Violence Against Women back on the Agenda

Society nearly came to a halt at the beginning of the week with Ken Clarke's comments on rape, his view and the slip of the tongue caused outrage. I'm alarmed with many comments and feedback since the controversy about how violence against women is perceived, including domestic violence and rape. Then we have others weakly defending the actions of men and alike, from who are voicing their personal opinion on the matter of rape on women and towards men, finally with Dominique Strauss-Kahn, in connection with sexual assault.

We have panels of experts, ordinary women and journalists talking however it would be interesting to review the existing research on rape. There is ample information available and a balanced view, clearly do take time to read Baroness Stern's Independent Review into how rape complaints are handled by public authorities in England and Wales.

Those throwing weight on our statistical evidence, is also disappointing; the context of rape is being debated amongst many individuals I work with from violence against women champions dealing with these complex matters.

In this severity of mass panic, everyone carelessly is no longer mindful, behind every rape is a victim, a survivor who is trying to forget the ordeal, perhaps working to rebuilding their lives, the hysteria amongst politicians and society debating rape, from date rape to stranger rape surely need to stop and reflect, this type of political point scoring should be left for another day, not on a serious matter like rape.

For someone who works closely with partnerships from the Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) addressing violence against women, I have a note of caution, understand and learn the needs of survivors, their encounters with the criminal justice process before making passive judgments and the wider implications from their health and well being.

Rape happens in varied situations and complexities, with women from all walks of life, professionals, young women, older women, sex workers including same sex violence amongst relationships, men and children and people of all ages. To discuss rape so casually with limited knowledge is highly insensitive, perhaps Ken Clarke choice of words were flawed or not clearly explained during his interview.

I see it an opportunity to ensure violence against women in strongly back on the agenda. We have experts, from CRASAC, Women's Aid, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA's), all working in difficult, complex circumstances with cuts to projects who do provide a valuable service to support victims and survivor's, let them have their voices heard rather from those opinionated to bring this to a political boiling point.

I hope work is entailed to provide individuals the energy to divert their grievances in supporting projects like retaining funding streams for Poppy Project on human trafficking,  CRASAC, the role of ISVA's and developing SARCS ( Sexual Assualt Referral Centres). RSVP, (Reducing Sexual Violence Project) in Birmingham & BSWA provides awareness training are a good platform for research, material and analysis.

Data is easily misquoted  as comments, what we must not fail as a society in recognizing that we have a realistic opportunity now in shaping and making recommendations on the violence against women agenda. CRASAC is doing intense work to support survivor's in Coventry through multi agency partnerships including health.

Rape is one aspect, serious sexual violence,domestic violence, same sex violence, child abuse, prostitution,  human trafficking, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Forced Marriage, Honour Based Violence (HBV) are all equally important in how we support survivors, covering these elements.

Do complete the Government Equalities Office Consultation, Strengthening Women's Voices in Government on areas of violence against women if you have any strong views on this matter of rape and violence against women. Instead of been critical on Ken's comments, we should be welcoming further positive debate to secure outcomes and the future strategic action plans.

http://t.co/c68YY3X

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ABSTINENCE-FOR-GIRLS - FURTHER THOUGHTS

Nadine Dorries is causing concern to many on her revelations on abstinence-based sex education for young women at school. The twitter feeds were gathering momentum since Nadine's media appearances on the Vanessa Show. Her controversial views were displayed to the wider public on young female relationships and how girls taking on sex are the cause of society's all singing and dancing problems. Has her words been misconstrued? Her thoughts on blaming girls is bothering the public and sexual health charities alike.

Empowering girls to say 'no' to sex, is already slanting behavioral actions towards the victim, this is why many women and specialists  from the community and voluntary sector are dubious of Nadine's ideologies on the subject. It's not about sex education for girls but her belief, young girls are required to be taught sex and a society message deeply rooted in the process, that girls give into rather than say no, these are damaging and misleading views.

Sex abuse occurs but to say it will be reduced if girls are taught abstinence-based sex education and put the burden on the victims to make things right is out of touch rhetoric. Whilst being taught at school that sex is wrong at an early age to avoid Nadine's perception of wider society dilemmas; teenage pregnancy related matters, abortions, family planning, vulnerability and the complexity of packaging all these factors for young women as issues for the victim on prevention needs more thought. To try to do too much too soon, is not informative sex education but embeds a culture of learning that girls need to address problems of sexual abuse because they are responsible and accountable for it, this outrageous thinking in not acceptable to those professionals dealing with sexual abuse daily.

'Stop' blaming the victim, sexual abuse lies with the abuser so let us not find ways to blame girls, for me they remain everyday victims and survivors. Perhaps the show did not bring out her thoughts which are different than those presented but it does not help making such passive judgments on young women. I do hope she has the opportunity to develop the rationale with advisors, first and foremost to be informed with evidence based material and research.

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SLUT WALK MARCHES ON - 'WEAR WHAT YOU LIKE' - DON'T BLAME THE VICTIM

Toronto's policeman will be wishing in secret he never uttered those words, starting a new feminist movement, protests of SLUT WALK'S across the world, from Canada, United States and UK will see further mass marches. This occurrence of ensuring female voices are heard loudly, protesting their view points, taking to the streets. Women and devoted feminists have already mobilized on issues that are dear to their heart's, yes even women unite on causes that concern them against the likes of Micheal Sanguinetti blurted in his safety talk to students, on women's clothing impacts sexual assaults.

I strongly agree that women should not be judged on their clothing and these male power phrases are no excuse for women to be labelled ready for being raped, abused and sexually assaulted. He must have known this outdated comment would make everyone cringe. Far from it, this delusional concept the serviceman had that it's quite acceptable to focus on victim's clothing than the perpetrator, he must have been living in the dark ages, despite his role could not see the controversy in his remarks and misconception.

I would have liked our Government Minister for Women and Equalities to speak out her view on this too, for women to be criticized for sexual exploitation and given a blame culture on dress codes is poor. The tensions are going deeper on reclaiming the word, how society sees women and addressing violence against women without blaming the victim. We know from statistical data, rape and under reporting rape remains poor, what I don't want to see is further under reporting because victim's feel there's no one there to help, far too quickly women are judged by their exterior image, clothing and mannerism, silenced because of society.

RECLAIMING THE WORD

Do we want to reclaim it? Many feminists from both camps are debating it, how far will it progress women? Will it empower them or damage the feminist movement? There's more discussions to follow on this as experts gather to highlight the need to claim or evade it.

There's no question in my mind, it's outrageous to say or think stereotypically on views like,  'dress down or you ask for rape.' If you speak your mind blaming the victim from clothing, behavior and analyse the victim's alcohol intake rather than the perpetrator, you are bound to face the feminists in masses, brace yourselves you have started one movement that won't go away to easily, after all we unite strongly and even women who don't call themselves feminists feel strong enough to take a stand.

There's nothing wrong spreading a global campaign which protests against such attitudes, blaming female victims, labelling them as encouraging sexual assault.

We all need to fight for our rights, so don't be alarmed, this movement will grow, we are all tired of hearing excuses and notions on the main causes of sexual assaults are driven by female behaviour and actions, enough is enough; if you wish to join the movement, rally the cause and support or simply watch from the sidelines, it's not going away, so don't yet again blame the victim.

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INDIA LEADS THE WAY, POLITICAL GOLD STANDARD FOR WOMEN

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are now under the control of women, thanks to India's recent elections, proud of their individual achievements, I could not help blogging about these two women in the world of politics. They are already pursuing their roles, leading the way; helping us understand how India perceives women in political processes and its democracy.

It's an excellent standard, a platform for further change will be secured in the future whilst they are in charge of these parts; in Tamil and West Bengal, they will be managing millions of people and addressing some of the previous controlled communist regime, now Mamata Banerjee, has a rightful place, it's a state to be proud of. India will dominate politics with key figureheads; women add value.

If only other global countries could see the benefits women can bring to positions in politics that allow progressive thinking from all, women have their fair share to play in society, socially and economically.

Jayalalithaa should be praised for her developments in the South, in Tamil Nadu, all good for the people. At least we have many changing their attitudes towards women leading in political activity, after all the elite and lower working classes did so by voting for them, the key to making change happen when women have the support whilst some of the opposition party were campaigning and avoiding allegations of corruption, Mamata Banerjee and Jayalalithaa can safely lead, head up high!

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COMPENSATE - SOCIAL UNREST OF A DIFFERING KIND, MOROCCAN WOMEN CRY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM - NEW DEMANDS

Morocco has a new tribe of women fighting for their equality and rights for "collective lands." Women are seeking to challenge their rights under the support of the Soulaliyate Women's Movement to receive their inheritance via compensation.

Can these women succeed? More global Feminist Movement's are coming to the eyes of men and patriarchal fragments in Moroccan society. Even the King Mohammed VI in Morocco has opened his eyes, his new way of thinking amounts from the social and political unrest of many women demanding compensation. These ordinary, working women and abandoned are gathering in masses, to seek constitutional reform, yes it cannot come sooner as they want laws changed since their marching protests. What may be a shock to other progressive Feminist Movement's is not to walk away from these women in the developing world within remote villages, I hope Morocco will fulfil its obligations, and it's not an empty promise yet to be formalised.

Globally, in developing countries family law is progressing slowly too, the Soulaliyates had their democratic rights brushed aside since 2004 under family law, however still seeking change today. They have the support of the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women (ADFM) fighting their cause.

It's fundamental that women even from tribal groups are supported for equality, justice and fairness and deserve to have their compensation, it's duly theirs whether land, currency or accommodation however small. It's a struggle for them in greater numbers, women in these tribes are in their thousands, they do require support, understanding and assurance. I anticipate the King will continue the reform as planned before we see an uprise of a differing kind, women leading the way for social, political change and their land.

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MARKING WORLD RED CROSS & RED CRESCENT DAY- HELP THE MOVEMENT

Today I'm reflecting on the work of Red Cross, as it's World Red Cross Day, the work of Red Cross is still working strongly to support those in need. We are marking the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, despite encountering global challenges in conflict situations, the movement is in demand globally, I never kept it a secret I'm a huge fan of the work Hague does at the FCO supporting such movements. He did so again today indicating the positive work they do.

Red Cross is currently supporting refugees, those affected by recent conflict in Liberia and the Ivory Coast. The Ivorian Red Cross has created hospital centres, health care and kits for the people and attempts to reconnect refugees with families.

It's widely known of the work done on its specific programmes in Africa on sanitation and water. As I absorb the statistics, annually 230,000 lives of children die through lack of clean water with infectious diseases and diarrhoea in Ethiopia, only one aspect of the work of Red Cross.

The Red Cross Community based health programmes in Liberia are also to be praised since Liberia civil war, the charity has made great improvements to health through community involvement by distributing food and basic necessities.

From the humble beginnings The Red Cross was created in 1863, to address and support prevention of Humanitarian causes, now still strong, the British Red Cross supports widely overseas movements, on matters like HIV programmes; in South Africa since 1999, i'ts working to prevent HIV and TB, increasing development to support the South African Red Cross and supporting treatment, healthcare and well being including gender based violence issues. I value the work done, I hope they know we all do.

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AV IT'S A NO NO, BIRMINGHAM REVEALS ITS VERDICT

No real surprises here, Birmingham outstandingly rejects the Alternative Vote. As a referendum agent, adjudicating uncertain votes, they came returned with many comments, ultimately rejected including blank ones abstaining to vote. I felt the system had let them down, those whom made the effort and attempted to scribble thoughts; it was evident many voters simply did not understand the AV. I found outstandingly many had written names of candidates on them too, then came numbers, letters, question marks and rankings.

In future campaigns, there needs to be some evaluation and feedback with costs coming to the attention of the electorate, the referendum process was misguided to some of the public. I dare not seek another possible referendum too soon like the AV, campaigns must cater for local communities in diverse languages, the wards I adjudicated on had far too many discrepancies, clearly a concern from ethnic minority groups on the meaning, these groups of voters did not understand and making many questioned what it was further.

This is disappointing considering the cost of the marketing campaigns on both camps, nevertheless despite rejections on ballot papers, Birmingham's outcome YES 94,835, NO 170,749; overall the country and the electorate have decided, it's a NO NO.

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Not All is Lost; Conservatives in Ladywood Ward - City highs and Lows

The city may have loss crucial seats that were regarded as target seats, however in Ladywood I managed to secure second place despite voting turn out. Thank you to all who supported the Conservative campaign, I wish to also thank  residents for talking, listening and supporting on  local matters of interest, the schools, health and community centres, all the leafleting and much needed engagement on AV.

These are all key areas of importance to listen to residents concerns. Some regard the seat a difficult challenge, as a candidate I made every effort to ensure Conservative was visible and is shaping the ward in the future, Ladywood Blue is here to stay!

Thank you once again for the efforts put into Conservative Ladywood by Ladywood Blue, to retain a much valued presence. I do not feel like celebrating this small success of improving our position from third last year to second place, as many colleagues have lost their seats, and the demographics in the council chambers has changed dramatically in a mysterious way.

Last night was the night of high and lows in Birmingham; for full results please do take a look at Birmingham Local Elections 2011.

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5th May - International Day of the Midwife - Our Hidden Promises

The 5th of May is not simply about Local Elections and the Super Thursday AV Referendum as political activity flurries, it's also the day of International Day of the Midwife; maternal health is once again under the spot light on how Governments  are expected to meet the 5th Millennium Development Goal; to improve maternal health.

As Governments are reminded gently the question on how they intend to meet targets to reduce maternal health related deaths, today raises awareness on the role of the Midfwife, as Africa's midwives are doing. The White Ribbon Alliance Network Campaign also has varied initiatives supporting the cause.

I met the team at the Conservative Party Conference last year and understood the programme, to ensure women from developing countries are provided adequate treatment and services, this day should be celebrating success and reminding us to see what avenues there are to retain the goals and women suffering because of maternal health problems for safe motherhood, as we advocate for every mother and child, we must not remain complacent from African countries more action must be taken.

Tanzania, parts of West Africa like Mali, women are in need of certain care; they require qualified midwives, further skilled care for child births, let us pledge our support however small, donate and remind those in power beyond the G8 summit of this cause. Do take the opportunity to review the White Ribbon Alliance Maternal Mortality Campaign as part of International Day of Midwife as part of the ongoing celebrations of the day, the AV, local political debate, the global picture must too not be forgotten like a hidden promise; this is a goal I intend to keep in the framework.

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IN TOUCH LOCAL CONSERVATIVES CITY CENTRE LADYWOOD BLUE

I must blog a very special note of thanks to my chairman for a lot of the hard work driven, supporting our campaign, the leaflets, membership connections, the strategic direction on the campaigning areas, and the support to ensure the Conservative message was shared locally.

Thanks to the volunteers, my team and association members for their much valid advice and help delivering my leaflets and the residents who spent time with me discussing their concerns.  Both leaflets were carefully planned and discussed as we focussed on local issues impacting residents, the Southside Business Improvement District, New Street Redevelopment Programme with John Lewis, to bring further 650 jobs to the city by 2014. Finally the Birmingham Public Library, enhancing educational skills, and life long learning.

It is polling day within a few hours as I write this, I am preparing to support the targeted seats in the city. It has been a rewarding experience and one that I will cherish. I hope to update you all on the position in Birmingham as it unfolds!

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IT'S TIME TO TAKE A STAND ON AV

As the decision for the AV referendum is drawing to a near end, I'm quite disappointed that many people are still disengaged with political change, both nationally and locally. So many people have expressed the lack of political will to get involved in the referendum and care to take notice what is happening this Thursday. Electoral reform was part of the coalition agreement, yet I am pleased to declare my position it's a NO NO for me, like it or choose to defy it, this is a serious proposed change in our voting system, we are all accountable for the outcome of the referendum, so please do make a decision.

As many are enjoying the sun, beer gardens and city residents taking a leisure canal trip, I'm encouraging them to vote on local issues; the city regeneration projects, enterprises, addressing young people in employment for potential career prospects and preventing demonstration marches across the city for local residents to live peacefully.

I campaigned today on local issues but I cannot forget a responsibility that the AV is taking place too. As many say to me, 'why do you care about politics and this AV thing?' I reply because it matters; to our people for real democracy and our choices that makes society a better place, all decisions should be determined by its people and the AV is a step for us to ultimately take a stand on this issue of historical political reform. There is no point moaning afterwards should the AV win, we cannot afford to remain on the fence on this one. If people have time to watch reality TV and vote from x factor, dancing on ice, strictly come dancing, people should have a fair opportunity to decide what the outcome of the AV is, and not compromise. For me not voting means acceptance on the final results. I hope the only people interested in this is not the bookies!

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