Women Policy Statement

Women’s groups are a lifeline in many communities, particularly in some of the most disadvantaged. The position of women and women’s organisations has not changed significantly in the past year. Therefore many of the demands of the manifesto last year remain valid.

Childcare remains a serious issue. There should be financial recognition of the level of attainment of childcare workers. Government should also offer subsidies to ensure that working women can obtain childcare and continue to work. Community based childcare as identified in the Civic Forum’s Regional Strategy for Social Inclusion would offer benefits including building social capital, providing children with a better start and allowing more women to enter the labour market. The issue of work/life balance is particularly relevant in this area.

It is important to celebrate diversity across the gender divide – there should be no competition. Confidence building and assertiveness programmes through the youth service for boys and girls would benefit both and could play a valuable role in decreasing misogynist acts and attitudes.

There are a number of areas in which Northern Ireland could benefit from close partnership with other politicians within the UK, for example, domestic violence. Working with other politicians helps share good practice and implement policies more effectively. A programmatic approach is necessary to ensure resources are adequately allocated and policies can be fully implemented. For example, women returning to education may need support in a number of areas, including childcare, mentoring and flexible working hours.

Political parties and the Assembly should:

• Provide adequate resources to enable the full implementation of the domestic violence strategy and establish an inter-ministerial working group on domestic violence.
• Extend Sure Start children’s centres to Northern Ireland.
• Carry out a full gender audit on use of public transport and implement procedures to ensure that public transport meets the particular needs of women (such as short journeys, collecting and dropping children, etc).
• Implement a tax-free childcare allowance or subsidise childcare.
• Provide adequate resources to operate a 24-hour helpline for women abused through domestic violence.
• Develop practices which encourage women to enter political life, including the use of legislation on all-women shortlists.
• Establish mentoring programmes for women, particularly in leadership roles.
• Promote access to information and advice on sexual health, contraception and fertility issues.