News Update February 2021
Malala’s Desert Island Discs
Some of you may have heard Malala Yousafzai speaking on her record choices on Sunday’s Desert Island Discs. If you missed this it is repeated as usual on Friday morning (19 th ) at 9.00 am BBC Radio 4. Otherwise it is available on BBC Sounds for approx. 25 days. Malala is an inspiring young woman and tireless in her campaign for the education of girls.
Marriage & Civil Partnership Bill
You may remember we have been following the progress of this Bill during the past year, which would remove the option that parents have to force a child to marry in the UK, under the legal age. Mrs Pauline Latham MP introduced the Bill in the autumn, and it was scheduled for a second reading this month. Mrs Latham has replied to our query . My Marriage and Civil Partnership (minimum age) Bill is a Private Member’s Bill which are usually heard on Fridays. Unfortunately, sitting Fridays were suspended until further notice in January, so there is not yet a date for the second reading. My hope is that the Government will adopt the proposals and introduce a bill similar to my own. In the meantime, how many girls in the UK will be coerced into marriage… Let’s keep badgering HMG! [If you are interested in following your own MP’s parliamentary votes and speeches, do sign up to www.theyworkforyou.com Each time your MP speaks and votes you will be
sent the details from Hansard.]
Living a life by permission:
Durham University’s Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (CRiVA) held a webinar on 9 th February. A report was launched that day on the experiences of male victims of domestic abuse during Covid-19. (It was commissioned by Respect, the male advice line) Although most violence and abuse is directed to women, we need to remember that a not insignificant number of men also suffer. C-19 caused a widespread increase in violence for both men and women. Researchers were able to listen in on some of the phone calls to the helpline and analysed the experiences reported. Physical, financial, sexual, coercive & controlling behaviour were all reported, along with the pandemic causing isolation and the lack of supportive networks. Immigration and visa status was also mentioned, together with housing issues, mental health impact, child contact problems. It all paints a very bleak picture. The report is not very long and describes the research as the ‘tip of the iceberg’. It is worth reading and to keep on NCW’s radar. https://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/criva/LivingALifeByPermission.pdf
World needs more ‘holistic approach’ in combating FGM, says leading Geneva expert by Pokuaa Oduro-Bonsrah : 7 February 2021
A recent article in the Geneva Solutions daily newsletter makes for interesting reading. Dr Jasmine Abdulcadir is a Somali/Italian doctor doing reconstructive surgery on FGM victims: https://genevasolutions.news/global-health/world-needs-more-holistic-approach-
Rebranding of NCW!
The sub-committee is working on this as we go to press; three companies are to be interviewed and full quotes obtained, for the updating of NCW’s brand image and website. The full updating could take up to six months to implement. Watch this space!
Townswomen’s Guild is a member of the Six-O group, as is NCWGB.
The TG recently held a zoom meeting on Writing Women into History, and highlighted their project for International Women’s Day on March 8 th . Below is a poster about the event. If you would like to watch some of the speakers during March, please let Sheila R at the office know, and NCW will be happy to obtain a ticket for you.
In the week beginning March 1 st a link will be sent to you by email to enable you to view the programme and background details and link through to the talks as they are released. A few items will be released every day in the week beginning 8 th March and will then remain available until the end of March. Confirmed speakers so far include Olympic Gold Medallist, Lady Mary Peters; Jane Robinson on her book “Ladies Can’t Climb Ladders”; a conversation between Conductor Alice Farnham and PhD student Alice Bornet about women in music and more. We have promises from Baronesses Bakewell and Benjamin too. (Please let Sheila Rosewell know – before 1 st March – if you want a ticket)