- Conference
- 2007 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 26 October 2006
- Decision
- Carried
Conference applauds the Spanish government in taking the first step on putting pressure on the Association of Fashion Designers to use a calculation known as the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is based on weight and height to reject excessively thin models. The World Health Organisation says a person’s BMI should be between 18 and a half and about 25.
In response to this, one of Spain’s most prestigious fashion shows agreed to ban overly skinny models from taking part.
Conference therefore instructs the National Women’s Committee to work with the National Executive Council and Labour Link to continue the campaign in putting pressure on the London Fashion Industry to also use the Body Mass Index when recruiting models for their fashion shows.
UNISON must take the lead and campaign with other appropriate organisations for changes in images of women in society and try to promote a more positive approach centred on women’s definitions of themselves, not just in this country but around the world.