Have you read about the five short-listed resolutions? If you haven't yet done that, there's still time to find out more about them so that you can make an informed choice about which you would like to see become the next NFWI campaign.
Your opinion really does matter. Your WI will be asking you to choose which of the short-list matters most to you. This happens at meetings during January and the first week of February. If you are going to miss your meeting, let your WI know your choice.
If you have missed your meeting, you can always send your choice to the Federation Office at Tackley instead ... please include your name and WI. The deadline is February 10th,
Here's a short summary of each resolution. You can download the full briefing notes via the link at the bottom of each summary if you would like to read more.
Fit for purpose - fit for girls
Girls’ clothing ranges often promote harmful gender stereotypes and can lack the practicality and robustness of boys’ clothing due to the differing design features and materials used. The NFWI calls on clothing manufacturers and retailers to produce and market clothes for girls at all ages which are equal to their boys’ clothing ranges in terms of design, quality and coverage, and which aim to empower and enable girls to feel comfortable and confident in whatever activity they choose throughout their childhood.
Appropriate sentencing of non-violent women offenders
Women in prison are some of the most vulnerable in society. The majority have committed non-violent offences, and many have been victims of much more serious offences than those they are accused of committing. Prison can do enormous lasting damage to women’s mental health, and research shows that community support and management can be far more effective and produce better reoffending outcomes than custodial sentences, as well as mitigate the negative impacts on children and their wider families. The NFWI therefore urges government to renew its focus on early-intervention and community-based solutions for women who have committed non-violent offences as a matter of urgency.
Equality in law for the menopause
Too many women are experiencing discrimination at work and in wider society during the menopause. The NFWI calls on the Government to strengthen equality law by including the menopause as a protected characteristic alongside pregnancy and maternity under the Equality Act 2010, in order to provide better protection for women and to help tackle the stigma around menopause.
Women and Girls with ASD & ADHD - under-identified, under-diagnosed, misdiagnosed, under-supported
Women and girls presenting with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are going undiagnosed. The NFWI calls on the government and funding bodies to fund research into the female presentation of ASD and ADHD, and for action to be taken to improve the diagnosis process for women and girls, to ensure that they are equipped to better manage these conditions and do not suffer in silence. The NFWI further calls on WI members to raise awareness within their WIs of the issues facing women and girls with ASD and ADHD.
Tackling digital exclusion
Digital exclusion in the UK is preventing a significant proportion of the population from accessing the internet, and therefore limiting access to essential services, learning opportunities and social connection. This can be due to a lack of internet connection, lack of access to devices or lack of digital literacy. With millions of people affected, the NFWI calls on the government to increase investment in digital infrastructure, ensure access to suitable devices and appropriate education and training.