The Fawcett Society surveyed our prospective parliamentary candidates on their commitment to women's equality and had some pretty surprising results.  The number or PPCs who replied was small (385 out of 2285) which itself is telling given that the questions were a simple yes or no to support for national and local policies regarding the gender pay gap, improving the rape conviction rate and assessing the gender impact of spending cuts.  See full details here    

Also, see the latest What About Women campaign update here

If you've passed the Engender office this week you'll have seen our window which is highlighting the number of female candidates in this election - no surprise that no party is anywhere near the 50% that would represent real equality.  Our poster above tells the story...

The UK Government Equalities Office has developed a strategic action plan which aims to identify what Government can do to support the sustainability of the violence against women and girls third sector.  They are now seeking the views from the vaw sector and those with an interest in the work and the WNC are managing this consultation via a survey monkey questionnaire.  The consultation started on 1st April and will run until 23rd July.  Read the Action plan and consultation and complete the questionnaire here 
 

April 1st saw the introduction of a new offence which makes it illegal to pay for the sexual services of a prostitute subjected to force, threats or any other form of coercion or any form of deception (committed by a third person) in England and Wales.  The Home Office public information poster (above) is intended to alert men who pay for sex of the new law.  Organisations supporting the introduction of the law issued a joint statement which you can read here      

The new(ish) website UK Feminista have started an online book club.  This months reading is Backlash: The Undeclared War on American Women by Susan Faludi.  The group will get together on May 25th to discuss the book - all online, of course.  Have a look at the site here

The Scottish branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom was revived last year and has now been approved for accreditation to the Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference (NPT) in New York in May 2010. The branch are appealing for contributions so that they can send a delegate. Read more
 

Terry Neason and Marie Robinson bring thier course, My Body and Me, billed as Motivational Confidence Edutainment, to Glasgow this month.  This event has sold out and another has been scheduled for 19th June.  The  session includes, confidence building, personal impact, personal motivation, stress relief, self esteem and body image.  Check out the website for full details  www.MyBodyAndMe.co.uk  The booking hotline is 07984 306661


 

The Tron Theatre in Glasgow are running a series of issue based plays under the Mayfesto banner. Of particular interest may be a play called Jordan - see the full programmehere

Have a look at our events and training page for what's on and please feel free to send me details of any events you would like added - karen@engender.org.uk