Crisis for specialist women's refuges
16 September 2008
Specialist
refuges for minority ethnic women are closing because of the
government's funding and commissioning policies, claims Imkaan, a
second tier organisation for Asian women's refuges.
Vivienne Hayes appointed WNC Commissioner
11 September 2008
The views of women and women’s organisations were given a significant
boost today as Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality,
announced ten new Commissioners who will join the board of the Women’s
National Commission (WNC), including WRC Chief Executive, Vivienne Hayes.
Ministers for Women report on their progress over the past year
27 August 2008
In July 2007 the Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, set
out the government’s priorities for women. They are: supporting
families, tackling violence against women; and increasing the
representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic women. Their new
report charts their progress and maps out some plans for future work.
Gordon Brown must end the crisis in Rape Crisis
1 August 2008
An
open letter has been sent to Gordon Brown today, demanding that he take
urgent action to secure the future of Rape Crisis centres. Signatories
include Theresa May MP, Lynne Featherstone MP, Shami Chakrabarti and
Polly Toynbee.
United Nations urges UK government action on the 'crisis in Rape Crisis'
1 August 2008
The United Nations has urged the Government to do
more to meet the needs of women who have been raped or sexually
assaulted. The Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW) has called on the Government to increase and sustain its
funding to women’s organisations; assess the impact of commissioning on
women’s groups; protect women-only services; and increase services for
victims of violence against women.
Southall Black Sisters celebrate High Court victory
21 July 2008
In
dramatic scenes at the High Court on Friday, Ealing Council admitted
defeat, leaving Southall Black Sisters celebrating. Southall Black
Sisters have been locked in a struggle against Ealing Council over its
decision to withdraw funding for their domestic violence services for
black and minority ethnic women.
Blueprint for integrated violence against women strategy published
4 July 2008
A
fractured response to violence against women (VAW) in most of the UK is
failing women, says a new report by the End Violence Against Women
coalition (EVAW, of which WRC is a member). As YouGov polling shows
that 8 in 10 people support cross-government action to end VAW, EVAW
sets out its blueprint for action,
Realising Rights, Fulfilling Obligations.
www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk
Women's sector in Queen's honours list
17 June 2008
We
were delighted to see some key figures from the women's sector honoured
in this year's Queen's birthday honours list. Congratulations to Dinah
Cox (OBE, Executive Director of
Rosa), Katherine Rake (OBE, Director of
Fawcett), Sheila Coates (MBE,
South Essex Rape & Incest Crisis Centre), Naana Otoo-Oyortey (MBE, Director of
FORWARD) and Shaista Gohir (MBE, Director of the Muslim Women's Network), and all the other hardworking women who received honours.
Read full Birthday Honours List 2008New women's fund launched
10 June 2008
Rosa,
a new UK-wide fund devoted exclusively to championing and investing in
charities working with women and girls, launched on 10 June. Rosa will
begin making grants in 2009 and will be based initially in the Women's
Resource Centre's offices in London.
Read the full press release here...Take action to support Rape Crisis centres
17 March 2008
While
it’s great news that the government has recently announced emergency
funding of £1m for Rape Crisis centres, this is only enough to stop the
imminent closure of centres at immediate risk. Now is the time to keep
the pressure on, to ask for sustainable funding for the future, to
safeguard these vital services, and meet the needs of women survivors.
Find out what you can do to support Rape Crisis centres