An article examined the evolving use of state agencies to address gender relations. The advent of the new Commission on Equality and Human Rights appeared to involve the demise of a singular focus on gender equality and with it the justification for separate women's policy agencies.
Source: Judith Squires, 'The challenge of diversity: the evolution of women's policy agencies in Britain', Politics and Gender, Volume 3 Issue 4
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Dec
An article examined transitions out of lifestyles and identities considered 'disordered', focusing on women's experiences of homelessness and street sex work. The wider issues of the marginalization of women who were assumed to be 'deviant' and 'disordered' were connected to broader changes that criminalized and oppressed citizens who were outside mainstream society.
Source: Carol Corinne Mcnaughton and Teela Sanders, 'Housing and transitional phases out of 'disordered' lives: the case of leaving homelessness and street sex work', Housing Studies, Volume 22 Number 6
Links: Abstract
Date: 2007-Nov
A study found that 80 per cent of women were doing too little exercise to benefit their health. The situation was worst for low-income and black and minority ethnic women. 23 per cent of women said that school PE lessons had put them off sport.
Source: It's Time: Future forecasts for women's participation in sport and exercise, Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (020 7273 1740)
Links: Report | WSF press release | Guardian report | BBC report
Date: 2007-Nov
A report published by the (outgoing) watchdog for gender equality sought to identify the underlying philosophy supporting national strategies for parents and carers; explore models from both the United Kingdom and Europe; and consider what a strategy to support parents and carers that also worked to reduce gender inequalities might look like.
Source: Susan Himmelweit and Hilary Land, Supporting Parents and Carers, Working Paper 63, Equal Opportunities Commission (0161 833 9244)
Links: Report
Date: 2007-Oct
A report said that ethnic minority women faced too many barriers to becoming local councillors. The councillor role continued to be treated as a pastime for those with spare time and money. Local political parties' commitment to diversity remained weak, and potential candidates among ethnic minority women faced poor support and even discrimination from parties.
Source: Routes to Power, Fawcett Society (020 7253 2598) and Government Equalities Office
Links: Report | Fawcett Society press release | DWP press release
Date: 2007-Oct
A report examined the complex and multi-faceted nature of women?s experiences of homelessness.
Source: Kesia Reeve with Rosalind Goudie and Rionach Casey, Homeless Women: Homelessness careers, homelessness landscapes, Crisis (020 7015 1800)
Links: Report
Date: 2007-Aug
Royal assent was given (following a third reading) to an Act designed to provide civil remedies for those faced with forced marriage, and victims of forced marriage.
Source: Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007, TSO (0870 600 5522) | House of Commons Hansard, Debate 23 July 2007, columns 639-653, TSO
Links: Text of Act | MOJ press release | HOC research brief | Hansard (third reading)
Date: 2007-Jul
The government began consultation on the priorities of the Ministers for Women. These were: supporting families, particularly as they brought up children and cared for older and disabled relatives; tackling violence against women, and improving the treatment of women who committed crimes; and empowering black and minority ethnic women to build cohesion within their communities and as a bridge between communities.
Source: Priorities for the Ministers for Women, Cm 7183, Office of the Leader of the House of Commons, TSO (0870 600 5522)
Links: Consultation document | Hansard | EOC press release | Fawcett Society press release | Guardian report
Date: 2007-Jul
A think-tank report examined the under-representation of women in Parliament, and the steps needed to redress the imbalance.
Source: Emily Robinson (ed.), A Woman's Right to Stand: Should equal representation be guaranteed?, New Politics Network (020 7278 4443)
Links: Report
Date: 2007-Jun