Hi everyone,
Just wanted to post an upcoming Fawcett event, sounds like it's going to be a
good night.
JOIN FAWCETT AND UNISON IN PARLIAMENT TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON EQUAL PAY
It's nearly 40 years since pay discrimination was made illegal. Yet today women
working full time are paid 17% less than men for work of equivalent value, and
women working part-time are paid a whopping 36% less than men. Equal pay law is
not working.
The Government's Equality Bill offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end
the gender pay gap. But the proposals being put forward are weak and will do
little to dent the gap. Join with UNISON and Fawcett in Parliament to call for
tougher measures on equal pay:
Date: Monday 8th June 2009
Time: 6.30-8.30pm
Venue: Committee Room 16, Houses of Parliament, London. SW1A 0AA
Speakers include: Dr Katherine Rake (Fawcett), Bronwyn McKenna (UNISON), and
cross-party parliamentarians
RSVP to: kat.banyard@... or call the Fawcett office on 020
7253 2598
THE GENDER PAY GAP IS A NATIONAL SCANDAL. RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR EQUAL PAY!
The Fawcett Society is currently researching how the sex industry is affecting the working lives of women in the UK. We are looking particularly at the issue of lap dancing clubs being used in corporate entertaining and the display of pornography in the workplace.
We would like to hear your experiences and views on this matter. Please complete our survey by visiting http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk//index.asp?PageID=891. The deadline for responses is Friday 13th March. All personal and identifying details you provide will be kept strictly anonymous.
We would be particularly interested to hear from people who have worked in a shop that sells pornography/lads mags.
Have you experienced violence? Would you be interested in sharing your experiences as part of a research project?
As part of an ongoing research project I am currently investigating the issue of violence against women. There are many forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment, and female genital mutilation.
If you have experienced violence (past or present) and would feel comfortable sharing your experiences, I would be very grateful if you could email katbanyard@..., providing the information requested below. All information you share will be kept strictly anonymous.
If you would like further details about the research please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
There is less than one week till the important Public Meeting in Parliament
It is really important that we get as many people as possible to attend the meeting so that we can demonstrate the level of support for the government to change the licensing laws of lap dancing clubs
Lap dancing clubs are currently licensed as cafes, leading to the number of these clubs doubling since 2004.
However, lap dancing clubs are part of the sex industry and promote the sexist view that women are sex objects.
Help give local councils the power to stop the spread of lap dancing clubs
Make your voice heard!!
The Meeting will be chaired by Polly Toynbee from The Guardian, and speakers include - Dr Sasha Rakoff, Director of Object; Dr Katherine Rake, Director of the Fawcett Society; Beatrix Campbell, award-winning Journalist, Author, Broadcaster, Campaigner & Playwright; Cross Party MPs, and the Local Government Association.
Changing the law will allow councils to say NO to lap dancing clubs and CRUCIALLY, will see the licensing of lap dancing clubs become a gender equality issue.
Here's why it is a gender equality issue, as described by Lucy, a woman who previously worked in a club:
"The truth is this: the customers do not want clever lapdancers. The way you end up behaving in order to maximise your earnings, is to play dumb. You are agreeable, submissive, charming, seductive, alluring, you feign interest, you commiserate, and you are required to pretend to find men attractive who you do not find attractive. It is entirely false. This feeds a perception that this is what men want from women. It is deeply destructive. It begins to cement the belief that men are interested in women only as sexual objects, and that the perfect sexual object is a compliant one.
In reality the job is about constantly selling yourself as a product which represents a very particular, very limited aspect of what it is to be a woman. You are essentially totally and utterly objectified"
Help change the law and help stop the spread of lap dancing clubs.
If this law changes your council will be able to say NO to lap dancing. Help change the law and help stop the spread of lap dancing clubs. THE TIME IS NOW!!!
LAP DANCING: LOBBY YOUR MP WEEKEND OF ACTION! Make a difference! Women all over England and Wales have been lobbying their MPs and councils to take action on the licensing of lap dancing clubs as cafes. Now the Government has said it will act. But we need to make sure it happens! Object's lap dancing campaign Stripping the Illusion – lobbying alongside Fawcett Society, needs your help – please lobby your MP on Friday 17th / Saturday 18th October to make sure the Home Office is under pressure from MPs to change the law. Email sandrine@... for a lobbying pack and more details about lobbying your MP in person during their constituency surgery.
PUBLIC MEETING ON LAP DANCING: TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER, PARLIAMENT, 6.30-8.30pm. To show the level of public support for reform of lap dancing club licensing Object and Fawcett are organising a public meeting in Parliament. Chaired by Guardian commentator Polly Toynbee this will feature cross party MPs, the voices of women formerly in the industry, licensing expert Philip Kolvin, Dr Sasha Rakoff – director of Object and Dr Katherine Rake – director of Fawcett Society. There will also be a media stunt in Parliament Square before the event. Challenge sex object culture. Challenge sexual exploitation. Help make this law change happen! Book your place today and email sandrine@....
These are such important events, if you need any help getting down to London for the meeting in Parliament or to meet your MP then please email me (Anna) at activist@... and I would be happy to help you think about transport/travelling with people etc.
IMPORTANT: We need to make sure that the governmet acts on this in the next month otherwise our next opportunity will not be until March. We don't know what the political climate will be like in the Spring which is why this next period of time is so important.
We have the base support, now we need to really go for this - bring all of your friends and family, WE CAN DO IT!!!
The campaign to end licensing of lap dancing clubs as cafes needs your
help!
The Government recently announced that it will give local authorities
greater powers to regulate lap dancing clubs
(http://www.labour.org.uk/jacqui_smith_speech,2008-09-21).
However the law is a long from way from being passed. Help us ensure
that:
a) The proposed law is appropriate to the urgent problem of wholly
inadequate licensing.
b) Legislation passes successfully through parliament, sooner rather
than later.
Doing so is crucial to challenge further normalising of lap dancing
clubs – which since being placed in the same licensing category as
cafes and restaurants have doubled in number across the UK. This has
both led to increased financial and sexual exploitation across the
industry and contributed to a sex object culture that underpins gender
based discrimination and violence.
Object and Fawcett Society have teamed up to organise the following
events.
TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER – LOBBY YOUR MP TRAINING
6.30pm – 8.30pm, Parliament. The session will include tips on how to
lobby your MP in person during constituency surgeries, a lobbying pack
and the chance to practice with MPs attending the session. Email
sandrine@... to register your place.
FRIDAY 17TH & SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER – LOBBY YOUR MP WEEKEND
Most MPs hold constituency surgeries on Fridays and Saturdays. Book an
appointment and lobby your MP to proactively take up this important
issue.
TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER – PUBLIC RALLY
6.30pm – 8.30pm, Parliament. This will feature cross-party MPs and a
wide range of speakers to outline the campaign so far and why urgent
action is needed on the issue of lap dancing clubs. More details to
follow. Email sandrine@... to register your place.
For more information on the issue visit www.object.org.uk and
www.fawcettsociety.org.uk
Jacqui Smith, Home Secretary and Harriet Harman, Minister for Women
and Equality announced on Sunday 21st September that the Government
will legislate to toughen up licensing of lap dancing clubs.
Read about it here:
http://www.labour.org.uk/jacqui_smith_speech,2008-09-21
And here :
http://www.celiabarlow.org.uk/523e8aab-d51b-f804-f908-83180960898b
In announcing plans to legislate the Government stated that under
current licensing:
"Difficulties arise where residents and local authorities try to use
the current legislation to tackle general concerns about these clubs
being situated in a particular area (for example, near schools,
historic tourist areas or churches) or because of concerns about
equality, public decency, obscenity and the sexual exploitation of women".
This is a crucial step towards challenging the normalisation of lap
dancing clubs – which since being placed in the same licensing
category as cafes and restaurants have doubled in number across the
UK, contributing to a sex object culture that underpins discrimination
and violence based on gender.
However - there is still some way to go to ensure that the legislation
passes.
Object and Fawcett Society – campaigning jointly on this issue - would
like to thank everyone who has helped create public pressure and
played a VITAL role in the campaign so far.
This role will continue to be crucial in the coming months to ensure
that the law becomes a reality – more details to follow shortly!
In solidarity, Sandrine
Want to gain valuable experience working withBritain’s leading campaign for women’s rights? The Fawcett Society currently has several exciting opportunities for internship placements, designed to provide work experience and an in-depth understanding of Fawcett and its work. The placements are suitable for recent graduates, current students who are required to carry out an internship or those who are returning to the workforce and would like to update their skills and knowledge.
We currently have four internship vacancies across the organisation.
The internships offer you the opportunity to see a campaign and membership organisation in action, to gain direct insight into the workings of the not-for-profit sector, to participate in our campaign and policy work, to take part in internal and external meetings and events, including with senior policy makers and politicians, and to contribute to reports and briefings and other tasks.
Stripping the Illusion; the campaign to end licensing of lap dance
clubs as cafes or restaurants needs your help in stirring up some
local action! Last week the Government wrote to every local council
asking for feedback on the campaign's call to re-categorise lap dance
clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments. Durham MP Roberta
Blackman-Woods'Bill calling for this measure also passed unopposed in
the House of Commons.
This is a massive opportunity to bring about change and challenge
increased mainstreaming of the sex industry. We need to make our
voices heard loud and clear on this issue in towns and cities across
England and Wales.
Therefore on Saturday 5th July Object is organising a Day of Action.
We are asking volunteers to give up 2 hours(or as long as you can
manage) to petition in your local high street. A recent such petition
in Newquay collected 300 signatures in less than 2 hours.
Object will provide downloadable petitions and factsheets as well as a
template press releases to send to local media. We can also help put
you in touch with other campaigners in your area.
Your help with this will be really appreciated and will play an
important role in taking the campaign forwards. Alongside Fawcett
Society we are also urging supporters to lobby your local council. See
www.object.org.uk or www.fawcettsociety.org.uk for template letters.
Please email sandrine@... if you can help out on
Saturday July 5th, in sisterhood,
Sandrine
1 MONTH TO PERSUADE EVERY LOCAL AUTHORITY TO SUPPORT LAPDANCE CLUB LICENSING REFORMS!
The campaign to reform lapdance club licensing by re-categorising them as Sex Encounter Establishments has been developing rapidly, and last Wednesday the Government wrote to every local authority in England and Wales asking if they would support this reform. This is a HUGE opportunity.
Our task now is to persuade every local authority in England and Wales that they should tell the Government to license lapdance clubs as Sex Encounter Establishments. But we only have 1 month to do this!
Individual action:
You can download model letters to send to your local authority and newspaper by visiting www.fawcettsociety.org.uk
Group action:
If you are a member of a feminist group there is a group action briefing you can download from www.fawcettsociety.org.uk. If local feminist groups spearhead action in their areas we have a very good chance of building UK-wide support for reforms.
PLEASE LOBBY YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY! WE’VE NEVER HAD A GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO REFORM LAPDANCE CLUB LICENSING IN THE UK
TAKE URGENT ACTION – huge opportunity to reform lapdance club licensing
A number of organisations, including the Fawcett Society and Object, are calling for urgent reforms to the way lapdance clubs are licensed. Lapdance clubs are currently licensed in the same way as a karaoke night or cafe - which is wholly inadequate.
On 18th June a 10 Minute Rule Bill is being introduced in Parliament calling for lapdance clubs to be licensed as Sex Encounter Establishments (enabling more control and regulation). This offers a UNIQUE opportunity to demonstrate support for reforms to lapdance club licensing.
PLEASE write to your MP before 18th June asking them to support EDM 1375 and Roberta Blackman-Woods' 10 Minute Rule Bill. You can download a model letter from here: www.fawcettsociety.org.uk
The more letters MPs receive the greater chance we have of success. So please write yours today!
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Hi All,
Hope you are all well. I have been inactive for some well sufferring
from ill health. However now i am back and want to do the below event:
Sign to protect a woman from rape. A highly charged event, we are
going to get groups of women, in as many towns and cities as possible
to head to night clubs, pubs and to the streets to ask men to sign
their declaration that they would not rape a woman and would protect
women from rape.
I would love some help on this i think it would be a great press
winner and highlight mens true attitudes which can be written up as
justification as to why consent should be taught in schools.
I'm trying to work out numbers, and areas and help would be more than
amazing.
Best as always,
Leonie
www.stoprapeinjustice.com
Subject: Emergency protest 20th May as MPs vote on abortion time limit
Please forward on widely and email Abortion Rights at choice@... to let us know if you can make it.
Emergency protest — as MPs vote on women’s abortion rights
Tuesday 20 May, 5.30pm Defend 24 Weeks No reduction in abortion time limit Old Palace Yard, outside Parliament — opposite St. Stephen’s Entrance Tube: Westminster
On Tuesday 20 May, members of parliament will debate and vote on the anti-abortion amendments to the Human Embryology and Fertilisation Bill. The key amendments aim to lower the time limit for abortion. This vote is taking place much earlier than expected and with very little notice. In the limited time available, it is vital that everyone who supports a woman’s right to choose does everything they can to show their opposition to any reduction in the time limit. Please attend this crucial protest — and encourage your trade union, women’s group, student union or other organisation to send a presence.
We say: women must come first. There is no significant scientific or medical support for any reduction in the time limit. Yet a handful of anti-abortionists are using downright propaganda and misinformation, hoping to intimidate and mislead MPs into attacking women’s rights. An overwhelming majority of the public supports the right to choose: MPs should uphold choice and vote down amendments by Nadine Dorries and any anti-abortion MPs.
Less than two per cent of abortions take place after 20 weeks. If successful, a lowering of the abortion time limit would be devastating for a small number of women in difficult, unforeseeable and individual circumstances and would encourage further anti-abortion attacks. Contrary to anti-abortion hype, research shows there has been no increase in survival rates for births under 24 weeks. There is opposition to any lowering of the time limit from the British Medical Association, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Royal College of Nursing, TUC and national trade unions, the Department of Health and MPs across all three major parliamentary political parties.
Write to your MP If you haven't already, now is the time to write to, email, phone or visit your MP in advance of the vote on 20th May to urge them to vote against any amendment to lower the abortion time limit. A model letter and information on how to identify and contact your MP is available on the campaign website www.abortionrights.org.uk.
Funds needed Abortion Rights urgently needs financial support in organising this protest and in covering the costs of the campaign that has been organised. You can help by making a donation online or by cheque to ‘Abortion Rights’ and encouraging your organisation to do so. You can also help by joining and by your organisation affiliating to Abortion Rights.
from facebook.
Pippa x
====
http://incurable-hippie.blogspot.comhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/hippie/sets
----- Original Message -----
From: "Facebook" To: "Philippa Willitts" <faerieland@...>
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:17 PM
Subject: "NO to Hooters in Sheffield" sent you a message on Facebook...
> Kirsty Bowen sent a message to the members of NO to Hooters in Sheffield.
>
> --------------------
> Subject: Action Needed
>
> Hi everyone,
>
> Thanks for all your support so far, we're really making an impact and if
> you saw Sheffield Telegraph today then you will noticed a letter from a
> member of Sheffield city council expressing the councils view that Hooters
> is a bad thing for Sheffield. However this is not the end of it.
>
> Ask have the decision whether this goes ahead. We really need you to write
> or email to them expressing why Hooters is a terrible idea. Some ideas to
> put in are:
> -The effect this will have on Leopold Square e.g anti-social behaviour,
> binge drinking, threatening atmosphere.
> - The wrong message Hooters gives out that women are objects to be looked
> at.
> - AND ESPECIALLY how Leopold Square is the wrong area for this and the
> desireability of the area will decrease.
>
> So PLEASE email Chief Executive Ken Knott at kenknott@...
> or Leon Guyett at Leonguyett@...
>
> Letters should be sent to:
> Ask Developments
> The Old School House
> George Leigh Street
> Manchester
> M4 6AF
>
> ASK will be making their decision in May so we need as many letters and
> signatures on petitions as possible. If you would like a copy of my letter
> as a template or any more petitions, email me.
>
> Thanks so much, you really are making an impact on the future of
> Sheffield.
>
The International Rescue Committee is requesting your help to carry out a global campaign to end violence against women. As you know thousands of women are beaten and raped every day across the world, their voices are seldom heard. We know that you are dedicated to the advancement women's rights, which is why we are asking you to work with us to put a stop to violence against women.
We're calling all our supporters to write to the presidency of the European Union, which for the first half of 2008 will be held by Prime Minister Janez Jansa of Slovenia, urging Europe to take the lead in global efforts to end violence against women. Our goal is to send a wake up call to the European Union through every citizen in Europe, but we can't do it alone.
The IRC has already sent out the following petition to all of our constituents. So far we have more the 1,000 signatures, and we want to get more than 10,000 to make a powerful impact. We need your help. Please take a moment of your time to sign this petition and actively participate in this movement by sending it through your organization's mailing lists and to your co-workers, friends, and family.
If you would like more information about our campaign or if you would like to collaborate further on this vital issue, please contact Cecile Petereit at infobrussels@theirc.org, or Shavala Magri at ircbe@theirc.org. Our office line is +32 (0)2 511 57 00.
Thank you for your efforts to give a voice to victims of violence. Sign at:
The International Rescue Committee is requesting your help to carry out a global campaign to end violence against women. As you know thousands of women are beaten and raped every day across the world, their voices are seldom heard. We know that you are dedicated to the advancement women's rights, which is why we are asking you to work with us to put a stop to violence against women.
We're calling all our supporters to write to the presidency of the European Union, which for the first half of 2008 will be held by Prime Minister Janez Jansa of Slovenia, urging Europe to take the lead in global efforts to end violence against women. Our goal is to send a wake up call to the European Union through every citizen in Europe, but we can't do it alone.
The IRC has already sent out the following petition to all of our constituents. So far we have more the 1,000 signatures, and we want to get more than 10,000 to make a powerful impact. We need your help. Please take a moment of your time to sign this petition and actively participate in this movement by sending it through your organization's mailing lists and to your co-workers, friends, and family.
If you would like more information about our campaign or if you would like to collaborate further on this vital issue, please contact Cecile Petereit at infobrussels@..., or Shavala Magri at ircbe@.... Our office line is +32 (0)2 511 57 00.
Thank you for your efforts to give a voice to victims of violence. Sign at:
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There gathered many single moms & dads and friends in the world. Hope
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East Midland Feminists will be holding a demo outside WHSmith in
Leicester 21st April calling for WHSmith to stop selling lads mags.
For more info, email emfems@...
Charlie x
Offline 
Send Email
I am here waiting for ya!
