Disability Caucus
Join the Disability Caucus
Many disabled people are feeling particularly vulnerable right now.
As the Coronavirus lockdown measures ease, and local lockdowns are implemented, there has been very little mention of the next steps for people who have been “shielding”. This won't have come as a surprise to many disabled people who have long been marginalised and ignored by governments and society.
But as members of the Women's Equality Party we have hope that we won't be forgotten. WE fight for the furthest first, because WE know that a society that values people equally is better for everyone.
Which is why we have launched a Women's Equality Party Disability Caucus!
The Disability Caucus has been set up by a small group of disabled party members who see a need for greater disability representation in our party. It will exist to champion the needs of those members both within the party and beyond.
The caucus will be an inclusive space for any party member who self-identifies as disabled or has a long term health condition. No one will be required to disclose the nature of their disability, though they may choose to. We hope to make it accessible to all. Please let us know using the sign up form above if there are any adaptations we can make, to ensure the caucus is accessible to you.
Our objectives will be shaped by our members, so we want to hear from you! What issues most affect you as a disabled person? We are looking forward to hearing your ideas at the meeting!
We hope to make the meeting accessible to all. If you require any adaptations to make this Zoom meeting accessible to you, please let us know via the RSVP form (link above). If you want to listen to the meeting but prefer not to contribute, you are still welcome.
If you do not have a disability or long term health condition then you can still support the caucus by signing up to be an ally.
Become a Disability Caucus Ally
Disability Caucus at Conference
WE hosted our own fringe event at Conference discussing the Social Model of Disability, and Intersectional Discrimination, presented by Dr Hannah Barham-Brown and Dr Sarabajaya Kumar. Supporting documentation can be found below along with our Caucus Recommends reading/watching/socail media list:
Next event: 20th August
Future events:
Ending violence against women & girls in the North of England - December 8th at 19:30
Tabitha Morton, Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for End Violence Against Women and Girls, Women’s Equality Party
Kay Wesley - WEP Councillor for Congleton Town Council elected in 2019
Inspire North - The parent organisation for Community Links, a mental health charity pioneering a wide range of life-changing mental health and wellbeing services, and Foundation, a charity providing innovative services for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Sign up here to join the event and find out what WE can do to support organisations tackling VAWG across the UK.
Past events:
Feminist economics - August 20th at 19:00
Sharonjit Clare - Co-Founder of West Midlands Women’s Voice, Company Advisor, Entrepreneur and Private Investor
Introduction to the Women's Equality Party Deputy Leaders - 6th July
Hannah Barham-Brown - Deputy Leader
Christine Dean - Deputy Leader
Tabitha Morton, Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for End Violence Against Women and Girls, Women’s Equality Party
Maternity discrimination and childcare - 11th June
Joeli Brearly - Founder and CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed
Lucie Stephens - Director of The Friendly Families Nursery
Harriet Williams - Independent Young Parent Consultant
Watch the webinar to find out more about the effects of COVID-19 on maternity leave, child-care and pregnancy, and what the pandemic could mean for long-term change in these areas.
BAME communities - 28th May
Nurses and carers on the front line - 14th May
Wendy Irwin - Equalities Lead at the Royal College of Nursing
Domestic abuse survivors in lockdown - 29th April
Access to abortions - 16th April
Donate to the party here!
Race Equality Caucus
For too long, the fight for equality has been either/or, but the intersection between gender and race is real and damaging, and as a party that stands on and fights for equality for all, considering this intersection in every conversation is vital. The Race Equality Caucus exists to ensure this happens, and aims to become a constant voice in every policy consideration, so that eventually, race and women's equality becomes the norm, not the exception.
Audre Lorde wrote "I am not free while any woman is unfree even when her shackles are very different from my own". It is with this sentiment that we share our experiences as GEM women and have created a space which allows a specific focus on the issues that GEM women face in the fight for gender and racial equality and to ensure GEM voices are heard within the party.
What is a caucus?
A caucus is a political term that is used for a faction or group within a political party that has a particular focus. Our caucus is an inclusive space that aims to unite GEM party members and supporters across the UK in the fight for race and gender equality. It is a network that aims to support GEM women in their similar and diverse experiences. GEM women are a group that are often forgotten and marginalised, and their challenges and perspectives ignored. This caucus aims to rectify that and amplify the voices of GEM women so that their experiences are heard and taken on board and shared.
Why choose the phrase GEM ?
The term Global Ethnic Majority (GEM) is a phrase that has been selected through a survey of our Caucus membership to replace the use of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME).
The Race Equality Caucus commits to using the racial or ethnic term that is specific to the group in question, or is preferred by an individual. However, when describing our collective racially diverse backgrounds, Global Ethnic Majority has been selected as the preferred term. Not only is it positive, it accurately states our position in the world.
We as a Caucus understand the importance of using the racial or ethnic term that individuals use to describe themselves. We acknowledge that GEM as a term has its problems and many in these communities have chosen to identify with other terms. WE value the different experiences that those from GEM backgrounds bring to our Caucus. It is through our differences that we learn and grow. Through mutually sharing and capitalising on these differences we become a force for change in relation to gender and racial equality.
We are inviting WE members who identify with an ethnic group that experience racism to join the Caucus.
- Build GEM connections within the party
- Build relationships with GEM organisations and groups
- Enable the party to better reflect and represent the needs and perspectives of its GEM membership and
GEM women - Provide a platform within the party to ensure the GEM lens on all Women’s Equality Party policies,
campaign messages and press releases - Increase GEM membership and representation
If so, get involved in one of two ways.
Become a Race Equality Caucus member where you will join a network of GEM women and can also volunteer to join the Race Equality Caucus committee. Membership is open to any Women’s Equality Party member that identifies as GEM.
Volunteer
Without the people, it would have been a whole bunch of hammers, with no carpenters, wishing for a house. - Marshall Ganz
Why volunteer?
This party was built by volunteers and like our members and supporters, WE can’t do it without them. Do you believe gender equality is better for everyone and want to play a vital role in our movement? Become a carpenter and shape the future, because together we can make a change and build a better UK where equality comes first.
WE believe everybody should have the chance to participate and whilst we welcome specific skills and experience, what really matters to us is passion, enthusiasm and shared values. If you feel you can contribute as a volunteer, WE would love to hear from you!
*This application form is only for roles at our central office in London, for volunteers roles within your area please contact your local branch, find your branch here.*
Become a volunteerSign up to your local branch
Or check the branch list to find your nearest branch.
Can't find a branch in your area, or want to get a paused branch active?
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