Engender are raising awareness of how the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) can work for women in Scotland.  The Convention, which the UK Government has signed up to, allows women to challenge the government over policies which disproporionately affect women negatively - will we see a case against the current austerity measures on these grounds?  Our umbrella  and conference bag carry the slogan 'It's raining cuts and hard slogs' and reference the cuts to public services and the welfare reform measures which are impacting on women.   

                Umbrella - £5    Conference Bag - £5   Buy Both £8

                To order please contact the office on 0131 558 9596

Lots of activity on this issue this week:

On Tuesday, as part of our Eye of the Beholder project , students from Broughton High School performed a theatre piece they had devised themselves on the increasingly sexualised images aimed at young people.  They performed this to the Scottish Parliament's Equal Opportunities Committee and it was very well recieved with the MSPs taking time to speak to the students about the issues after the performance.  The performance was filmed and will be posted on our website soon.  

The UK government's Body Confidence campaign includes a media literacy teaching pack for kids, parents and teachers.  This is a free resource aimed at 10-11 year olds to make them aware of the way advertising images are manipulated.  See the material here http://www.mediasmart.org.uk/resources-body-image.php

Zero Toleracne and the Women's Support Project are looking for creative young people aged 14-18 to take part in a group challenging pornification.  Any daughters, sisters,nieces, students you can pass this on to?  Find out more from Zero Tolerance or the Women's Support project 

The Irish Government is proposing the introduction of a 30% women candidates quota for political parties in Ireland.  The quota would apply at General Elections only and would rise to 40% after 7 years.  The bill also proposes withdrawing half of the state funding parties receive if they fail to meet the quotas.  Great article from Claire McGing gives the background.  Read more 

The UN campaign UNiTE to end violence against women T-Shirt design competition is now closed and entries are being judged by us, the public.  Why not have a look and vote for your favourite? See here

Have a look - and like - Engender's page 

and also Save our Services - Edinburgh Against Privatisation.