Women's Newsletter - August 2005
If you would like to join our Women's Campaign e-network and receive campaign updates by email, please go to item 2 in this August 2005 newsletter.
August 2005
Contents of this newsletter:
- Women's group idea of the month!
- Make sure you're signed up for the 2005/6 e-newsletters!
- NUS National Women's Officer at your freshers' fayre!
- NUS Women's Campaign's priorities for 2005/6
- New materials for the Autumn from NUS Women's Campaign:
- new 'pop art' feminist posters and leaflets
- the NUS 'being a women's officer handbook' updated for 2005/6
- current materials: pro-choice materials and a woman's place is in her union posters
- Jo Salmon (NUS National Women's Officer) to speak at International Women's Conference - 23-25 March 2006
- Liberation 2005, NUS event on 18 October 2005, Trafford Hall, near Chester
- Liberation, equality and diversity in action, NUS training course, 19-20 October 2005, Trafford Hall near Chester
- Diva magazine - student special
- News from external organisations
(a) Safe and Legal in Ireland - Irish Family Planning Association Campaign
(b) Fawcett presents INSPIRING WOMEN in partnership with the Guardian
(c) Andrea Dworkin Memorial Service, 22 September 2005
(d) Great expectations - new report from YWCA
1. Women's group idea of the month!
This is a new feature in our monthly e-newsletter. If you have any good suggestions for women's group activities you would like to share with others, please email them to women@nus.org.uk and we will include them in future editions of this e-newsletter.
Why not put on a film evening for your women's group* or organise a trip to the cinema? This could be to see a film(s) that focuses on issues pertinent to the Women’s Campaign, reflects on the history of the women’s movement and women in society, reveals the different situations of women around the world, or portrays women or girls in a particularly inspiring or powerful way. If showing a film, it is a good idea to watch the film beforehand to check it is suitable for your event and audience. When advertising the film showing, be sure to include the film’s certificate (e.g. PG, 15, 18 - make sure this is a suitable one for the students at your institution) and a brief synopsis of the plot (indicating particularly any violent or sexual scenes).
*Make sure you/your union have the correct licence to show films, for more details go to www.filmbank.co.uk
Some films you may like to consider are:
Vera Drake [2004, directed by Mike Leigh, certificate 12A]
The story of an illegal abortionist in the 1950s.
Lilja 4-ever [2002, directed by Lukas Moodysson, certificate 18]
The extremely harrowing story of a girl who is duped into leaving her home country to be trafficked into the sex industry in Sweden.
PHIR MILENGE We will meet again [2004, directed by Revathi]
The first Bollywood movie to tackle the subject of AIDS. The story of a 26-year-old young woman who is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, and consequently fired from the advertising agency she works for.
Carry Greenham Home [1983, directed by Beeban Kidron and Amanda Richardson]
A documentary about the Women's Peace Camp at Greenham Common between December 1982 and the summer of 1983.
If these walls could talk [1996, directed by Cher and Nancy Savoca, made for TV]
This film examines the abortion issue in the USA through three personal stories set in different eras - 50s, 70s and 90s.
If these walls could talk 2 [2000, directed by Jane Anderson, Martha Coolidge, Anne Heche, made for TV]
This sequel looks at lesbian relationships, again through three personal stories set in different eras - 60s, 70s and the year 2000.
Rabbit-Proof Fence [2002, directed by Phillip Noyce, certificate PG]
The true story of 3 aboriginal girls in 1930s Australia who escape from an official government camp, set up as part of an official government policy to train them as domestic workers and integrate them into white society.
Whale Rider [2002, directed by Niki Caro, certificate PG]
The story of a young Maori girl and her grandfather who belong to a New Zealand tribe with strong patriarchal traditions.
Frida [2002, directed by Julie Taymor, certificate 15]
The story of the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo [1907-1954]
2. Make sure you're signed up for the 2005/6 e-newsletters!
Do you have a position in your Union/Association that makes you responsible for Women’s Issues?
Are you interested in knowing more about NUS Women’s Campaign and other Women’s Campaigns nationally and internationally?
Would you like to receive regular updates and information about the Women’s Campaign?
If your answer to any of the above is yes, then you should fill out this contact form so we can add you to our current Women’s Campaign E-Newsletter Database. We send out a newsletter once or twice a month that could help you in your work and interest in the Women’s Campaign. It will only take a minute of your time and all information is kept confidential and will not be passed onto any third parties.
We look forward to hearing from you and working with you to make the Women’s Campaign bigger and better.
Click here to download the Contact Form
Please return to:
Minda Burgos-Lukes
Women’s Unit Administrator
postal address: PO BOX 52611, London N7 6XX
switchboard: 0871 221 8 221
Email: minda.burgos-lukes@nus.org.uk
3. NUS National Women's Officer at your freshers' fayre!
Would you like NUS Women's Campaign to be represented at your freshers' fayre? Invite Jo Salmon (NUS National Women's Officer) to come to your freshers' fayre to let students know about the national women's campaign within the student movement. Jo can be contacted on jo.salmon@nus.org.uk or through the NUS switchboard 0871 221 8 221.
4. NUS Women's Campaign's priorities for 2005/6
The Women's Committee have decided to re-run the 'Pro-choice and Proud of it!' campaign as a priority campaign in 2005/6 - this will build on the work of last year's campaign for women to be the key decision makers over their own bodies.
The second priority topic will be 'women at work' encompassing the issues of equal pay, informing women of their rights at work and encouraging women to join a trade union. This will particularly be aimed at women students who work part-time.
We will be sending out more details on how these campaigns will be delivered and how you can get involved in September.
5. New materials for the Autumn from NUS Women's Campaign:
- new 'pop art' feminist posters and leaflets
- the NUS 'being a women's officer handbook' updated for 2005/6
- current materials: pro-choice materials and a woman's place is in her union posters
NUS Women's Campaign is currently producing new materials for women's officer (and other interested student officers) to order. Theses are 'pop art' style leaflets and posters detailing some of the key demands of the women's movement. There will be a space for you to write local contact details to advertise your contact details and your women's group.
The NUS 'being a women's officer handbook' is currently being updated for 2005/6, with information about our national campaigns, hints and tips on running local campaigns and local women's groups, a directory of useful external organisations and much more! The handbook that was produced last Autumn is still available online at www.officeronline.co.uk/women
An order form will be posted out in the Autumn to union Presidents in the NUS fortnightly mailing to students' unions, emailed out via this email network and posted up on www.officeronline.co.uk/women
So, watch this space!
NUS Women's Campaign materials that are currently available are:
- pro-choice stickers
- pro-choice posters (with space for local details)
- pro-choice postcards
- A woman's place is in her union posters (with space for local details)
Email minda.burgos-lukes@nus.org.uk with your requirements. Remember to detail:
- how many?
- your name
- your union
- the union's address
- contact phone number
- if you are a Welsh college and require Welsh and English version
6. Jo Salmon (NUS National Women's Officer) to speak at International Women's Conference - 23-25 March 2006
Jo Salmon (NUS National Women's Officer) has been invited to speak at the following International Women's Conference next March and NUS Women's Unit are part of the coalition of women's organisations supporting this exciting conference. The conference aims to highlight the experiences of women in the make Poverty History Campaign. If you would like to attend the conference or are interested in volunteering, please go to www.shlic.org.uk or contact 0208 317 0451/07985259503
International Women's Conference - 23-25 March 2006, Women at the Global Justice Heart of the Make Poverty History Campaign Supported by NUS Women's Campaign
If you would like to attend the conference or are interested in volunteering, please go to www.shlic.org.uk or contact 0208 317 0451/07985259503
SHEROES HERITAGE LEARNING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION (SHLIC)
DATE: 23rd -25th March 2006
VENUE: London Borough Of Greenwich
THEME: Women In The Global Justice Struggle To Make Poverty History
SPEAKERS include:
Angela Davis, Naomi Klein, Jean Lambert MEP, Berverly Manley MP From Jamaica, Harriet Harman MP, Samia Nkrumah, Asma Al assad, first Lady of Syria, Vilma Espin, Vandana Shiva, Teresa Hayter, Baroness Tessa, Blackstone VC university of Greenwich, Jo Salmon (NUS National Women's Officer)
This is a three-day series of activities with the main events being an International Women's conference, an exhibition and Edutainment Show. This seeks to bring women activists from all over the world to share their skills, experiences and knowledge in solidarity with other women.
The conference aims to help mobilise and raise awareness about how poverty is created, its local and global impacts and how best it can be eradicated to enhance gender equality.
For further information please visit: www.shlic.org.uk or phone 0208 317 0451/07985259503
7. Liberation 2005, 18 October 2005, Trafford Hall, near Chester
Is this course for you?
An open event for all officers to provide a forum in which to explore the history and reasons as to why liberation campaigns are essential in the fight for equality.
Outline Programme
- Society today - an understanding of how inequality is still prevalent
- The history and development of both local and national liberation representation
- How the campaigns function - purpose, roles and support
- Opportunity to hear panel discussions and ask questions
This day is part of the NUS National Training Programme. Talk to your Union President about booking a place - she or he has been sent a brochure for the National Training Programme. For more information please contact NUS Training Department on 0871 221 8 221 or e-mail training@nus.org.uk
8. Liberation, equality and diversity in action, 19-20 October 2005, Trafford Hall near Chester
Is this a course for you?
This event follows on from Liberation 2005 and is designed for all part-time and sabbatical SWD, LGBT, Black Students, Women's, equality opportunities and diversity officers.
Outline programme
- Campaigns
Launch of NUS Liberation 2005/6 Campaigns
Liberation Campaign Fair
How to deliver national campaigns on a local level - Networking and Involvement
Establishing and developing liberation groups and committees
Widening participation and involvement
Develop your own strategies to implement in practical situations - The wider perspective
The Liberation Campaigns as part of a wider movement
This course is part of the NUS National Training Programme. Talk to your Union President about booking a place - she or he has been sent a brochure for the National Training Programme. For more information please contact NUS Training Department on 0871 221 8 221 or e-mail training@nus.org.uk
9. Diva magazine - student special
This month there is a special student issue of Diva magazine, featuring NUS LGBT officer Kat Louis and committee members. There is a series of articles on student life in which NUS features heavily, including one on the role of LGBT societies in local unions.
Kat Louis, NUS LGBT (women’s place) Officer says: “One of my friends recently came out in her flat - and she felt like her whole world had opened up. Suddenly, she was able to bring her girlfriend home - she didn’t have to pretend. And if you come out and get abuse, don’t stand for it. Talk to an LGBT or equal opportunities officer, or someone at your Student Advice Centre.”
10. News from external organisations and events for you to publicise to your members
Please note that whilst NUS Women's Campaign has been careful to check the suitability of these organisations as contact points for student officers, it cannot be held responsible for the work or advice of any external organisation.
(a) Safe and Legal in Ireland - Irish Family Planning Association Campaign
The Irish Family Planning Association has launched a major campaign for the introduction of legal abortion services in Ireland. The campaign, entitled ‘Safe and Legal in Ireland’, will comprise a range of activities, including a legal initiative to challenge the status quo on abortion; a political lobbying campaign and sustained programme of national and international advocacy. The campaign is supported by the Women's Human Rights Alliance.
For more: www.ifpa.ie/news/index.php?mr=111
(b) Fawcett presents INSPIRING WOMEN in partnership with the Guardian
Our annual Mary Stott Memorial lecture INSPIRING WOMEN is taking place on Monday 17th October, at Cadogan Hall in Chelsea, from 7.30pm.At a fantastic venue and with exciting guests, this year's INSPIRING WOMEN is going to be even better and bigger than last year's launch event. This unique event sees Jenni Murray in conversation with a fantastic panel of women from various walks of life. Come and hear about the women who have inspired them, how they reached their own successes and what they think are the opportunities and challenges for women today. A warm, celebratory event that is sure to leave you thoroughly inspired!
Our guest speakers include writer and actress Meera Syal, British-Nigerian writer Helen Oyeyemi (who published her first novel The Icarus Girl while still at university) and Wendy Hall, Professor in Computer Science at Southampton University.
All proceeds from the event will go towards Fawcett's general campaign fund.
Our Inspiring Women website will be launched in mid-August at www.inspiringwomen.org.uk with information about panelists, Mary Stott and more. Tickets will go on sale in late August / early September so keep an eye on the website.
This event is organised by Fawcett in partnership with the Guardian.
(c) Andrea Dworkin Memorial Service
22 September 2005
18.30 - 21.00
The Chamber, City Hall, London
Speakers include;
- John Stoltenberg (Andrea's long term partner)
- Julie Bindel (Justice for Women)
- Jalna Hanmer (feminist writer and author)
- Finn Mackay (London Feminist Network)
Refreshments will be available.
If you wish to attend this event, please contact Isabel Eden at Isobel.eden@eaveshousing.co,uk or call 020 7840 7126. This event is by invitation only.
If you have any queries about the venue, please contact City Hall on 020 7983 4100. The event is free but donations are gratefully received.
This event is organised by Justice for Women and the Lilith Project, and is hosted by the Mayor of London.
(d) Great expectations - new report from YWCA
Great Expectations is a new report from YWCA.
It asks: how realistic is the government's target to get 60 per cent of young mothers into education, employment or training?
Through interviews with 21 young mums, the 44-page illustrated research report describes the support they need and highlights difficulties they face. It reviews recent literature and makes informed recommendations for change.
To order your copy, priced £15, laura.buckley@ywca.org.uk with your name and address and I'll send it to you with an invoice.
*Please note the new NUS switchboard number and postal address below*
NUS Women's Unit
NEC Contact: Jo Salmon (National Women's Officer)
Staff Contact: Lizzie McCarthy (Women's Research and Information Co-ordinator)
email: women@nus.org.uk
switchboard: 0871 221 8 221
fax: 020 72635713
minicom text: 020 75616577
website for students: www.nusonline.co.uk/women
website for student officers: www.officeronline.co.uk
address: NUS Women's Unit, PO BOX 52611, London N7 6XX
View past Women's Campaign Newsletters at:
www.officeronline.co.uk/campaignsupport/women/newsletters
Return to this campaign's homepage or view all articles in this campaign.