As you've surely noticed, our technical difficulties have continued which has delayed our ability to update you on our work. We're sorry for any confusion this might have caused but are pleased to now be able to update you on everything we've been up to.
Fawcett strives to be brave. We demonstrate this through our research and campaigns, and - with the challenges we have faced this year - we are proud of the work we have done. From ensuring that misogyny is recorded as a hate crime, to promoting women's voices during the coronavirus pandemic, our work has ensured women are at the forefront.
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Campaign Catch Up
After a busy March, April provided an opportunity for us to regroup and plan for our upcoming campaigns. Watch interim CEO, Felicia Willow, share everything we've been up to in the last month.
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Queen's Speech
This week the government outlined its priorities for the year to come in the Queen's Speech. While we welcomed some steps forward, we are also concerned about some worrying gaps and by the voter ID requirement which could lead to voter suppression.
The Employment Bill was not mentioned and this is concerning for our work towards equal pay - we are asking for the Right to Know to prevent pay discrepancy. We were also concerned about the lack of prioritisation of the care sector - particularly given the pressure it has faced during the pandemic.
We are pleased to hear that early years will be high up on the agenda but we know there must be greater investment to make the system work for all parents. We also welcomed the inclusion of the Online Harms Bill and the bill must address online abuse against women and those with multiple protected characteristics.
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Local Elections - Women in Power
Last Thursday, elections took place across the UK for a range of roles in public life. From an MP, to a Mayor, to a county councillor - these elections decided who would hold these positions of power. Our research in the lead up with the Democracy Club provided a worrying insight into the number of women candidates. Just a third of local election candidates were women this year, with less than a quarter of Police and Crime Commissioner Candidates women. We know change is needed and we have outlined ways to get there.
We're calling for the government to implement section 106 to ensure all parties collect and share comprehensive data on the diversity of their representation. We're also calling for a code of conduct to prevent abuse of candidates and for flexible working to become the norm, with councils using technology for meetings to allow more women to consider taking up roles. Our Equal Power project is aimed at supporting people into office - if you've been inspired by the election, check out our free workshops now.
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Will you help #EndSalaryHistory?
Our East London local Fawcett group are campaigning to help employers amend their hiring processes and to #BanSalaryHistory questions. Asking for someone's salary history contributes towards maintaining and perpetuating the gender and ethnicity pay gap - and putting a stop to it could be crucial for helping achieve equality in the workplace. Fawcett East London are asking for employers to sign their pledge agreeing to stop asking salary history questions. If you're an employer can you sign up to the pledge?
They also have a toolkit for employees on their website wanting to push for change in their workplace.
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Could you be our next Communications and Campaigns Manager?
We've got a fantastic opportunity for a Communications and Campaigns expert who is passionate about women's rights. We're looking for someone who is passionate about the fight for equality, will be able to manage their team and the external press office, and has a strong communications and campaigns skill set. The deadline is 10 June - apply now to join our fantastic team.
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In solidarity and determination,
The Fawcett Society Team
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