Conference is concerned about the explicit imagery of naked and barely clothed young women portrayed on the internet, and in so called “Lad’s mags”. These magazines are sold, at pocket money prices, in our local newsagents, department stores and supermarkets. They are not age restricted i.e. “top shelf” material, are clearly displayed and available for […]
Conference motions
Conference notes the damage caused to the environment by non biodegradable sanitary products i.e. Tampons and Sanitary Pads. These products end up in landfill and all to often our oceans and watercourses. There is a simple solution to this problem – Mooncups. The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup around two inches long and made […]
Conference welcomes the tremendous work that UNISON and the National Women’s Committee have undertaken in the past with regard to the ‘Breast is Best’ campaign. However, Conference is concerned regarding the lack of positive images of breastfeeding mothers in public. Mothers are also still being made to feel uncomfortable whilst feeding their babies in cafes […]
Women in UNISON have many interests and hobbies, including either watching or participating in sport. We are all aware of the advantages of exercise, but are also increasingly aware of the lack of seriousness afforded to women’s sport, especially in the media. The recent women’s football world cup was one recent example where coverage was […]
Conference believes that every woman should live free from the threat of rape. The present law on rape in Scotland is outdated and antiquated, and there are a growing number of organizations calling for the definition of rape to be reformed. At present the narrow definition of both what constitutes rape and consent allows some […]
In 1987, a special conference called the Safe Motherhood Conference was held in Nairobi. It launched a global initiative to reduce maternal mortality in developing countries. At the time, at least one woman died from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth every minute – a staggering 529,000 deaths every year. In addition, for every woman […]
Conference notes that climate change is the single greatest environmental threat to life on earth. It not only impacts on our environment physically and economically, it also affects us socially and culturally. Women in the UK have a key role in tackling climate change as consumers, educators and ‘change agents’ in our homes, encouraging the […]
From title ‘Standing Orders for National Women’s Conference’ Delete all and replace with: 1.APPLICATION OF STANDING ORDERS 1.1These Standing Orders shall apply to all meetings of the National Women’s Conference. 2.STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE 2.1The members of the Standing Orders Committee shall hold office from the end of one National Women’s Conference until the end of […]
Conference was disappointed to see a motion on the 2007 Unison National Delegate Conference agenda calling for the setting up of legalized brothels in cities throughout the UK, and reaffirms its position that women’s bodies are not commodities to be bought and sold, and that prostitution is an infringement of human rights. Conference is optimistic […]
Conference calls upon the National Women’s Committee to work with all relevant bodies to push for further initiatives in pension provision for low earners and those not in permanent employment. Conference welcomes the announcement in the Queen’s speech that new legislation is to be introduced aimed at encouraging employers to provide good quality pensions for […]
Conference welcomes the recent decision by Amnesty International to back abortion in cases of rape, incest or violence, or where the pregnancy jeopardises a women’s life or health. Conference sees this as a huge step forward for women’s rights worldwide, especially in areas of conflict where rape is used as a weapon of war or […]
Conference joins with the Fawcett Society in welcoming third-wave feminism, and in so doing recognises that as the largest women’s union in the UK, UNISON, has a significant role to play in the new feminist struggle. UNISON women belong to a global sisterhood fighting oppression the world over, from Tabitha Khumalo risking her own safety […]
Conference is concerned at the lack of funding for women’s sector organisations which has resulted in the closure of much needed Rape Crisis centres. In 2007 only 32 Rape Crisis centres remained in England and Wales, compared to 84 in 1985, and in July 2007 it was estimated that half of these would be closed […]
Conference congratulates The London Feminist Network for another successful Reclaim the Night march on 24th November 2007. Conference is pleased to note that the National Women’s Committee has been added to the list of supporters for what is now an important annual event for women. When Reclaim the Night marches first began in the 1970’s […]
Over the past twelve months the rising prison population has been an ever present news item. Although Conference accepts that there will always be a necessity to imprison women for serious criminal offences, the female prison population has risen by 173% over the past decade. However, the overwhelmingly majority of female prisoners are sentenced for […]