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.
If you identify as disabled or have a long term health condition, we invite you to join our second meeting, via Zoom at 6.30pm on Friday 2nd October 2020.
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.
Next event: 20th August
Future events:
Feminist economics - August 20th at 19:00
Past events:
Introduction to the Women's Equality Party Deputy Leaders - 6th July
Hannah Barham-Brown - Founder and CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed
Christine Dean - Director of The Friendly Families Nursery
Tabitha Morton - 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.
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 Nursin
Domestic abuse survivors in lockdown - 29th April
Access to abortions - 16th April
Donate to the party here!
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Caucus
together BAME women in the party to discuss the issues BAME women face in the fight for gender and
racial equality and ensure BAME voices are heard within the party.
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 BAME 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
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 BAME party members and supporters across the
UK in the fight for race and gender equality. It is a network that aims to support BAME women in their
similar and diverse experiences. BAME 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 BAME
women so that their experiences are heard and taken on board and shared.
Why choose the phrase BAME?
Although the term BAME is widely used to describe those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
backgrounds, WE as a Caucus understand the term BAME has its problems and many in these
communities have chosen to identify with other terms such as People / Women of Colour (POC / WOC)
and non-visible minorities. As a political party founded on inclusivity and acceptance, we wanted to use a
phrase that is recognisable and inclusive to all those from ethnic minority backgrounds. We are conscious
of the differing privilege levels within the phrase, but value the differences in experiences that all those from
ethnic minority backgrounds have and bring to our Caucus. It is through our differences that we are able to
learn and grow, and through sharing these that we are able to do this together as a force for gender and
racial equality. And it is for that reason that we decided on the term BAME, but we want to extend an
invitation to any WE members who identify as part of an ethnic minority group to join the Caucus.
- Build BAME connections within the party
- Build relationships with BAME organisations and groups
- Enable the party to better reflect and represent the needs and perspectives of its BAME membership and
BAME women - Provide a platform within the party to ensure the BAME lens on all Women’s Equality Party policies,
campaign messages and press releases - Increase BAME membership and representation
If so, get involved in one of two ways.
Become a BAME Caucus member where you will join a network of BAME women and can also volunteer
to join the BAME Caucus committee. Membership is open to any Women’s Equality Party member that
identifies as BAME.
identify as BAME but are keen to actively support the BAME Caucus to achieve its aims.
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?
Spread the word
WE are social... find and follow us on
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Thousands of our members and supporters first found out about the Women's Equality Party from friends or family.
You can help us grow by signing up the people you know to the cause. Send them the personalised link below - or share it via Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn - and everyone you recruit will be credited to you. There will be prizes for the best recruiters.
You are the most powerful weapon WE have in the fight against sexism, discrimination and inequality. Help us grow - and you will help us win.
If you can't see a link below, log in using the side bar to generate your personalised recruitment code.
Start recruiting