Women's Views on News |
- TUC reports on gender job split
- Events: 4 – 10 November
- Sports round-up: 28 October – 3 November
- Shorten working hours for more equality
| TUC reports on gender job split Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:20 AM PST
The proportion of young women doing low-paid, low-skill jobs has trebled over the last 20 years, according to new TUC-commissioned research published on 1 November. The study, carried out for the TUC by The Work Foundation, showed that between 1993 and 2011 the share of female 16-24 year-olds in employment doing low-paid work, such as office and hotel cleaning, has increased from seven per cent to 21 per cent. Over the same period the proportion of young men working in low-paid jobs also rose from around one in seven (14 per cent) to one in four (25 per cent). The 28-page report – The Gender Jobs Split – also revealed how gender still plays a huge part in determining young people's careers. Just one in a hundred young women worked in skilled trades in 2011, compared to one in five young men. And four times more young women (21 per cent) worked in personal service occupations like hairdressing, leisure and the travel industry in 2011 than young men (5 per cent). The report also showed how despite being better qualified than their male peers, young women are still following employment routes that offer lower wage returns. The Gender Jobs Split found that: The number of young people trapped in low-paid work has increased markedly over the past 20 years. The report blames the huge rise in low-skilled work on the collapse of middle-income jobs, such as administrative and plant and manufacturing jobs in recent decades. Gender segregation is rife at the lower end of the youth jobs market. In 1993 only three per cent of young women worked in skilled trades. However, by 2011 this had fallen to just one per cent, compared to 20 per cent of young men. The proportion of young men doing personal service jobs had almost halved. There is a big gender split in apprenticeships. Young women take a much narrower range of apprenticeships than young men. They continue to dominate in traditional areas such as customer service, retail, health and social care. The report said this has particular implications for young women as female-dominated sectors typically offer fewer progression opportunities and lower pay. Young women are getting a lower wage return on their qualifications. Despite being better qualified than young men, young women are seeing a lower wage premium for vocational qualifications. For women the wage premia for level 2 qualifications are eight per cent, compared to 12-14 per cent for men. The report says the most likely reason for this is the types of vocational qualifications young women take, with women particularly likely to enter relatively low-paid areas like social care. Young women are more likely to be economically inactive because of caring responsibilities – and there is no sign of young men taking on greater caring responsibilities. In 2011, 14 per cent of young women were economically inactive as a result of looking after family and their home, compared to just one per cent of young men. Commenting on the report TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said: "The youth labour market has become much a harsher place for young people over the past 20 years, especially for young women. "While there has been a welcome rise in the number of females gaining qualifications, many still find themselves trapped in low-skill, low-wage jobs. "This is because there are fewer good jobs out there and because young women are still being channelled down 'traditional' routes. "Unless we create better training and employment opportunities for young people, as well as challenging gender roles from the outset, the situation will not improve. We need to invest in new industries to create decent jobs and provide better early years careers support." Katy Jones from The Work Foundation, and one of the report’s co-authors, said: "The gender gap starts early in working lives and is particularly striking in the lower half of the labour market. Young women tend to start work and remain in sectors with lower pay and fewer prospects. "Unemployment for both young men and women remains at crisis levels. While it is higher for young men, young women are more likely to quit an active job search and move into inactivity from unemployment. "Intermediaries have an important role to play in cutting across the gender divide by encouraging young people to consider a wider range of 'non-traditional' occupations and apprenticeships" The report calls for: Employers who win major public procurement contracts to provide more hiring and training opportunities for young men and women. Polices aimed at addressing gender segregation to be targeted at the bottom end of the youth labour market. This will involve schools promoting apprenticeships as an option for all and challenging traditional gender roles at an early stage. More support and understanding from employers and the government for women with caring responsibilities. The creation of specialist youth and employment services that will provide advice and support to young people in their first few years of employment, instead of just focusing on getting them a job. Better information about the opportunities and returns for from different qualifications and careers. The findings of the report were discussed at a TUC seminar in London chaired by TUC Head of Economic and Social Affairs Nicola Smith. There was a presentation of the findings by the report's authors Ian Brinkley and Katy Jones and expert responses from Rebecca Gill, Director of Policy, Campaigns and Communications at Platform 51and Richard Exell, Senior Policy Officer at the TUC.  |
| Posted: 04 Nov 2013 04:03 AM PST
Bristol: 6 November: Women's political representation: local, national, and international: A Panel Discussion and Debate at University of Bristol, 12 Priory Road, Bristol from 6pm -7.30pm Part of Thinking Futures, a week-long festival set up to share and celebrate the research undertaken in the University of Bristol's Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. Women are numerically under-represented in local and national legislatures across the world. This under-representation matters for reasons of justice, inclusion, diversity and symbolic value, with the exclusion of women’s voices reinforcing a culture of gender inequality. This session explores women’s representation in local to international contexts, assessing the reasons behind and solutions for improving the presence of elected women politicians. Tickets are free. 7 November: "Is sisterhood powerful?": A Panel Discussion and Debate at University of Bristol, 12 Priory Road, Bristol from 12.15pm-1.45pm Part of Thinking Futures, a week-long Festival set up to share and celebrate the research undertaken in the University of Bristol's Faculty of Social Sciences and Law. This panel considers the idea of sisterhood in past, present and future feminist thought and activism, including its possibilities and problems. Revisiting debates about difference and solidarity we discuss: Is sisterhood necessary? What should it mean and how does it need rethinking for twenty first century feminism? Tickets are free. Hemel Hempstead: 8 November: "Make Up" Some Money for Rape Crisis at Olly's Bar, 160 The Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead from 6-9pm This fundraising event for Rape Crisis encourages you to wear the most outlandish, creative, original and extravagant make up all for a great cause. Everyone is welcome – including the guys – as long as they are made up too! London: 5 November: Louise Raw and Marie Terrier on Mrs Annie Besant at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R from 7pm Louise Raw will talk on Misinterpretations of Annie Besant, Socialist, Strike Leader, ”Unsexed Woman”, Atheist, or Religious Leader? Marie Terrier will talk on Annie Besant's secularism as a weapon in the fight for women's emancipation (1874-1890) Annie Besant has been variously memorialised as a socialist, strike leader, secularist, lover of famous men and de facto religious guru. Louise Raw looks at why these interpretations of one woman’s life miss the point, and what they say about our historical traditions. Tickets £5 5-9 November: The Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-Smith at South London Theatre, The Old Fire Station, 2A Norwood High Street, London, SE27 from 8pm Margot Mason, feminist, writer, and fearless academic is trying to write her next life-altering bestseller in her cottage in Umbria. Despite having radically changed women’s lives with her controversial books again and again, despite international acclaim and celebrity, Margot is wrestling with writer’s block. Enter Molly, student and idealist, one of those most deeply affected by Margot’s writings. But this is not a fan visit: Molly has a gun and issues. What unfolds is a deliciously wicked comedy that deftly walks the tightrope between satire and farce. Directed by Caroline Doyle. 6 November: Naked at the Met at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London, WC1R from 7pm The Centre for Solo Performance presents legendary American artist Janice Perry (aka GAL) in a rare London appearance. An evening of satire, song, and sharp perspective on the state of the United States. Janice Perry in a rare visit to London with an evening that will include some old work, some new work, and some work in progress. Naked at the Met is a retrospective and introspective work-in-progress– an epic tale of a literal and figurative fall from grace via gender, sexuality, an aging body, uncivil behavior and a 30-foot cliff. Tickets £10 in advance £12 at the door. 7 November: Comedy Crackers – Supporting Stand Up For Women at Wilton's Music Hall, Graces Alley, London, E1 from 7-10pm Comedy Crackers is Stand Up For Women's second comedy gala; all proceeds from the evening go to Stand Up For Women and the great work they do to raise awareness and funds for women's charities. The line-up will feature Jack Whitehall, Junior Simpson, Sara Pascoe and a host of award-winning TV comedians, comic magicians and singers, all coming together in one hilarious night in support of Stand Up For Women. Tickets £30/£20 in advance £35/£25 at the door. Until 10 November: "Calm down, Dear": A Festival of Feminism at Camden People's Theatre, 58-60 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 Calm Down, Dear is the Camden People's Theatre's latest gathering of artists and companies, here presenting a three-week season of innovative theatre, performance, comedy, cabaret and discussion about feminism. What did it mean then? What does it mean now? Why is it resurgent? CPT co-directors Jenny Paton and Brian Logan say: "we were struck earlier this year by the number of feminist-themed applications to our annual Sprint festival. That didn't come out of nowhere: the boom in feminist thought and action – from No More Page 3 to Caitlin Moran, from Jane Austen on banknotes to Everyday Sexism on Twitter – has been one of the most heartening features of public life in the last couple of years. Our Calm Down, Dear festival celebrates and channels that. We're really proud to be hosting some of the most exciting and urgent art to be found at the crest of this feminist new wave." Here is the schedule of events pertaining to this week: Tuesday 5 November Wednesday 6 November Thursday 7 November Friday 8 November Saturday 9 November Sunday 10 November Until 6 December: Restored's exhibition of members' photos at The Salvation Army International HQ, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V ‘Restored’ is an international Christian alliance which aims to transform relationships and end violence against women. The alliance believe that Christian churches have huge potential to help prevent violence, but also need to change their own attitudes and practices. This exhibition is features photos from members which represent work undertaken on transforming relationships and ending violence against women. Entry is free. 7 November: Why Gender Should be on Europe's Agenda, at the Amnesty International building,17-25 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EA from 5pm-8pm Organised by the National Alliance of Women's Organsiations (NAWO) this panel and discussion brings together academics, NGOs, political bodies and youth voices to explore how and why young women can and should get involved in the European agenda. Speakers include: Mary Honeyball MEP, Dr Roberta Guerrina, Rebecca Taylor MEP, Catherine Bearder MEP, Serap Altinisik – Member of EWL Free event. Click here to RSVP and here for more info. Newcastle upon Tyne: Until 21 December: Inspirational Women North East at Hatton Gallery, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne A portrait exhibition featuring the work of photographers Bryony Bainbridge and Kami Dodds, celebrating the achievements of women who have played a vital role within the North. Nottingham: 9 November: Reclaim the Night Nottingham 2013 meeting at the Pavilion, Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham from 6.30pm March against rape and all forms of violence against women. Meeting at 6.30pm for a 7pm start, the march will proceed to Market Square through Mansfied Road – feel free to join at any point! Bring signs, posters, glow sticks, torches and your best chanting voice! There will be a rally at the Square followed by an informal social at Nottingham Women’s Centre. The march will be for self-defining women only and includes trans* women. Children welcome. Oxford: 9 November: Womanity at East Oxford Community Centre, Princes Street, Oxford from 12noon-11pm Organised by the Young Women's Music Project, Womanity is an all-day festival, which aims to provide a forum for young people of all genders. The aim is to come together to create, learn and discuss gender-based issues, which affect their day-to-day lives. The day will consist of workshops, lectures, sessions and a panel discussion.The evening will host live art, local crafts, and a frock swap, alongside live music from diverse female musicians. Subject matters as varied as creativity and self-destruction, blogging, self-defence, sexual violence, vocal looping and women in hip hop, will be covered. The open-panel discussion is centered on what feminism means today to young people, with a majority of questions being submitted from schools around the county. Womanity is entirely organised and run by members of the YWMP, and its affiliates. The event is controlled by them entirely, giving them the chance to build upon professional skills, whilst also gaining from participating in the scheduled sessions. Womanity is about celebration and education. It is about promoting visibility, visibility of suppressed or overlooked issues, visibility of women in male dominated industries, visibility for women's experience. Womanity exists as a platform for discussion: the right to raise your voice, to question, to demand answers and to inspire change. Click here to book tickets. Dublin: 6 November: DN4C Table Quiz at Doyles, 9 College Street, Dublin from 7.30pm Dublin Nights for Choice are urging you to get your head in the books and prepare for the Table quiz to destroy all others…. Raffle prizes include a meal for two in Diep Le Shaker, a meal for two in La Caverna, wine, and more! So get cramming and get sharing. Entry is €5 per person with 4 people per table. And as always, if you don’t have a team of 4 please do come along as we always get people paired up for craic and competition. One of our first winning teams were previously strangers. Teams of 3 and 5 also welcome. Just get in and get your nerd on! Deadly buzz! (Get there on the dot for a prime table – only room for 100 seats!)  |
| Sports round-up: 28 October – 3 November Posted: 04 Nov 2013 03:00 AM PST
Cycling: Great Britain's women again put on a dazzling display at the Track Cycling World Cup in Manchester this week. On November 1, GB women twice broke the world record to win the team pursuit gold. The race was run in the new format of four riders for four kilometres, to match the men's. The team of Laura Trott, Dani King, Joanna Rowsell and Elinor Barker broke their own record in qualifying and then did it again to beat Canada in the final. The new world record now stands at four minutes 19.604 seconds. Joanna Rowsell told the BBC: “We all live and die for the team pursuit. It’s great to be back here, racing for a home crowd, and it’s exciting to go out and break world records again.” The women's sprint team took silver behind Germany. The team of Becky James and Vicky Williamson both set personal bests to take the second place behind Miriam Welte and Kristina Vogel. November 2 saw more medals for GB's women, with Joanna Rowsell taking her second gold, this time in the individual pursuit. She beat Australia's Rebecca Wiasak in the final. Scotland's Katie Archibald, left out of the GB team, took third racing for trade team Braveheart, having already taken silver on November 1 in the women's scratch race. Becky James took bronze in the women's sprint, beating Olympic champion Anna Meares to do so. Another day, another gold for Laura Trott on November 3, as she took gold in the omnium. She had lain in sixth overnight after two events and needed a good performance on the second day to lift herself into the medals. This she duly did, finishing second in the individual pursuit before winning the scratch race and the time trial. Her total of 19 points gave her a four-point margin of victory over Canada's Gillian Carleton. Becky James also won another medal, this time a silver in the keirin, finishing second to Germany's Kristina Vogel. Football: Qualifying for the 2015 World Cup is now well underway. England put in another great performance on October 31 to beat Turkey 4-0 in Adana. Eni Aluko scored the first with a 25-yard shot. Fara Williams scored the second with a penalty which meant England went in 2-0 up at half-time. In the second half it was a similar story with Toni Duggan scoring the third through a header and Jordan Nobbs making it four. England top Group Six with four wins from four. There will now be a qualifying break, with England's next game at home to Montenegro on 5 April 2014. In other international news, Wales Captain Jess Fishlock is now in doubt for their qualifier against Montenegro later in November after breaking her wrist in the match against England on October 26. Anyone who saw the game spent most of it wincing as Fishlock tackled again and again bravely, damaging the wrist further each time. Fishlock has declared herself ready to play, but may not get to choose if the team doctor deems her unfit. Athletics: There was good news this week as Jessica Ennis-Hill returned to training after spending several months on the sidelines. She missed the World Championships in August with an Achilles injury. Ennis-Hill is now looking to the World Indoor Championships in Poland in March 2014, where she is hoping to compete in the pentathlon. She told the BBC: “I’d love to do the pentathlon at the World Indoors but I have to make sure I’ve got enough time to be technically where I need to be and competing at the top of my game. “It’s been a challenging year but I’m on the mend. Things are going in the right direction finally and hopefully I’ll be back at my best soon.” Cricket: England women's cricket team has been taking on the West Indies in a three match 50 over series this week. After the disappointment of losing the final of the Tri-match T20 tournament to the same opponents the week before, it was imperative that England got back to winning ways. However, they were to be frustrated in the first game on October 29 as poor weather in Trinidad meant only 3 overs were bowled before the match was abandoned. There was better weather on November 1 for the second game in Port of Spain and England wasted no time in showing what they could do. A marvellous bowling display saw the Windies skittled out for a paltry 126 in 38.1 overs. Fast bowler Kate Cross took 4-51, while spinner Holly Colvin ended with figures of 2-7 off her 10 overs. The batters quickly saw off the Windies' total with Sarah Taylor hitting 55 off 74 balls helping England to a seven-wicket win with more than 16 overs to spare. Look out for the result of the third game in next week's round-up.  |
| Shorten working hours for more equality Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:09 AM PST
Have you ever wondered why you are so busy? Would you like more time to spend with friends and family? A new book, Time on our Side, looks at the way we use our time and the value we put on it and makes the case for a shorter working week. Time on our Side is a collection of essays from leading academics, put together by Anna Coote and Jane Franklin of the New Economics Foundation. The authors argue that working fewer hours can help us achieve a greater sense of wellbeing, reduce our carbon footprint and even tackle gender inequality. They argue that the modern world marks time in hours, seconds and minutes – universal values that can be measured in terms of money – but such an approach affords us little control over our time. Most people work a 'standard eight-hour day' and if we choose to work less, we risk our future career prospects, because if we are not working for money we are perceived to be 'doing nothing'. Technology is pushing information at us at an ever faster rate and life is becoming a series of 'fleeting episodic moments'. We are more easily bored, find it harder to concentrate and think deeply. But rather than thinking that 'time is money' and 'speed matters' we should see time as a gift and recognise that many things, such as thinking, caring for loved ones, nurturing and educating children cannot be rushed. Time on our Side argues that wages have not kept pace with higher productivity, so we still have to work as long, if not longer than our parents, despite producing more. Add to this a culture of rampant consumerism; this causes us to amass debts, which we then have to work longer to pay off. Shorter hours would help society to share work out more equally, reducing unemployment. This could also lead to greater gender equality and break down stereotypes as, if men worked less, they would be able to devote more time to childcare or caring for older relatives – tasks normally associated with women. In Time on our Side, we are encouraged to think about what it really means to live 'a good life'. If we worked less and had more time to enjoy what really matters, we might consume less, which would be good for the planet. The authors call for curbs on advertising and higher taxes on luxury goods to encourage this. Tine on our Side also offers some practical suggestions. Workers, especially high earners, should negotiate for shorter working hours rather than higher pay. The book suggests we could achieve a shorter working week over time if young people entering the workforce worked four days a week, and workers over 55 were encouraged to reduce their working time by an hour each year. The book also introduces the concept of 'National Gardening Leave' – a shorter working week, coupled with an expansion of green spaces in urban areas for food cultivation. And Time on our Side challenges us to think about the way we use our leisure time however we spend it. The authors urge us to take up low carbon activities like meeting friends or playing games, activities which involve being, doing and interacting, and to cut down on pursuits like travel which tend to be more resource intensive. But while working less would free us all up to do more of what we want, people with lots of responsibilities such as those with young children, or those with fewer resources, such as low paid workers would benefit less or even lose out. So any move towards a shorter working week would have to go hand-in-hand with a higher minimum wage and affordable childcare. But we may have to go a lot further to make shorter hours work for the poorest households. The cost of essentials like housing, food and transport would also have to come down. A study by housing charity Shelter in 2012, found that 16.5 per cent of UK households spend more than 40 per cent of their income on housing. The study was based on figures from the EU which also revealed that Britons faced the third highest housing costs in Europe. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that households still spend significant amounts on food and transport. Nevertheless the recent economic crisis has forced many of us to think about how we work, the way we spend our time and what really matters to us. Having less money has forced us to think more carefully about what we need, rather than what we want, to rediscover long-forgotten crafts and to delight in simplicity. As the economy picks up there is a danger that we will slip back into the old ways – but all that consumption will ultimately lead to environmental destruction. As Anna Coote points out in the introduction, "the crisis provides a strong incentive to think afresh and seek out alternatives."  |
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