in UNISON

The group have already discussed the theme
for the 2016 development weekend which
will look at women’s online safety and digital
stalking, which ties in with the regional
motion to national women’s conference 2016
regarding the same topic.
Domestic abuse
As the regional local government committee
was being held in November, to coincide with
the International Day for the Elimination of
Violence Against Women (25 November), the
group put together packs for local
government branches to consider
campaigning around domestic abuse;
including information on the White Ribbon
Campaign and Orange Your World (United
Nations secretary-general’s campaign). These
packs have now been distributed across all
branches.
The women’s group have printed flyers for
both campaigns and have purchased orange
ribbons marked with the UNISON logo and
‘End Violence Against Women’ for branches
to utilise.
The group have been working with branches
to encourage local action and awareness
raising. In addition the main UNISON regional
offices will also be holding their own ‘Orange
Your World’ events in an effort to raise
awareness about this issue.
Back Off Campaign
The women’s group have been promoting the
‘Back Off’ campaign to create buffer zones
around abortion clinics in response to building
anti-abortion campaigns. The group have
been promoting awareness via the Cymru
Wales Facebook page and within branches.
They have also been working with the
regional information development officer to
promote the campaign through media
networks.
West Midlands
The regional women’s committee has
continued to meet throughout 2015.
Unfortunately the regional women’s
leadership day had to be cancelled as it
clashed with the anti austerity march
organised to coincide with the Tory party
conference. The regional women’s committee
are intending to hold an event to celebrate
International Women’s Day 2016.
The regional women’s committee was
successful in securing GPF funding to produce
a leaflet to go out to women in marginal
constituencies across the West Midlands to
encourage them to vote in the general
election. The leaflet was sent to all women
members in Burton, Redditch and
Birmingham Yardley and used at a variety of
events and meetings.
Yorkshire and Humberside
The regional women’s group have continued
to meet throughout 2015 and have worked
collectively towards another successful year.
The group have continued to contribute
towards the regional equality plan, and their
own work plan.
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