Green Party Women https://women.greenparty.org.uk/ Green Party Women sharing, supporting and campaigning for the rights of women and girls Mon, 20 Jan 2025 22:27:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/67/2024/05/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Green Party Women https://women.greenparty.org.uk/ 32 32 Green Party Women Committee Elections https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2025/01/20/green-party-women-committee-elections/ Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:38:22 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=5466 Are you enthusiastic about supporting & promoting women?Like the idea of building a sisterhood of women within the party by contributing to/organising inspiring/nurturing women-centred events?Keen to represent women’s voices within the Green Party? We’re pleased to announce that nominations for 2025/6 GPW annual elections are now OPEN We welcome applications for the following positions on […]

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Are you enthusiastic about supporting & promoting women?
Like the idea of building a sisterhood of women within the party by contributing to/organising inspiring/nurturing women-centred events?
Keen to represent women’s voices within the Green Party?
We’re pleased to announce that nominations for 2025/6 GPW annual elections are now OPEN

We welcome applications for the following positions on the GPW Committee for the coming year: 
– Two Co-Chairs (NB: these are elected separately so please apply for Co-Chair 1 OR for Co-Chair 2 position)
– Secretary
– Membership Secretary
– Treasurer
–  3 non-portfolio members  

All posts are available as job shares. Don’t be put off by the titles, there’s lots of support available!

What do you have to do to apply?

1) email ero@greenpartywomen.org.uk giving your name and local party and the position you’re applying for. The EROs are the GPEW officers running the elections for GPW

2) Add a recent photo to the email and 200 words about yourself & why you’re applying for the position (250 words for a job share – either 250 jointly or 125 words each)

3) Send a completed Equality and Diversity monitoring form from this link

4) You have to be a fully paid up member of the Green Party in ‘good standing’ & be nominated by two members also of good standing & fully paid up. Tell your nominees they must send an email to: ero@greenpartywomen.org.uk giving their name and local party and the name and committee position of the person they’re nominating

The deadline for applications and nominations is 22.00 on Sun 2 Feb

Please note that by entering these elections you are committing:
– to abide by the Green Party’s Code of Conduct
– you and your supporters to abiding by the election’s Rules of Conduct 
– to the following timetable including hustings on 6 February (hope you’re available!) 

If our EROs feel that there is insufficient diversity in those applying, they will request that more people consider standing for election and they will reopen the process for new applicants for a further short period

The Green Party is aware that there is a problem with some Yahoo email addresses which are marking some Green Party emails (including emails from Green Party Women) as spam. Unfortunately, Action Network (the system used for Green Party mailouts) triggers when emails have been marked as spam and and removes the email address from mailing lists – a fix is being worked on.

We are very keen to ensure that none of our members are disenfranchised. Please talk to friends who are members of Green Party Women and ask if they are receiving our emails. If you are a member but aren’t receiving emails, contact us at info@greenpartywomen.org.uk or our EROs at ero@greenpartywomen.org.uk.
We will do our utmost to ensure that all of our members who wish to register to vote are able to do so

Any questions about GPW work and activities? Email: info@greenpartywomen.org.uk
Any questions about the election policy & procedures? Email: ero@greenpartywomen.org.uk

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Update: Supporting Afghan Women https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/11/18/update-supporting-afghan-women/ Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:25:44 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=5309 On 11 November, 2024 many of our members joined us for a very special webinar. Liz, one of our co-chairs, was in conversation with Sara who was speaking to us from inside Afghanistan and who told us what everyday life has been like for women and girls since the Taliban took over the country.  She […]

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graphic to promote the Green Party Women webinar - Afghan women and girls: singing through their silence. Singing their defiance
On 11 November, 2024 many of our members joined us for a very special webinar. Liz, one of our co-chairs, was in conversation with Sara who was speaking to us from inside Afghanistan and who told us what everyday life has been like for women and girls since the Taliban took over the country. 

She spoke of the ever harsher restrictions, culminating, in Sara’s words: “when they banned women to speak in public spaces, and they banned women’s faces and voices. And now we’re at a point that we can’t hear each other’s voice. I mean we can’t hear another woman’s voice. Not only do they erase women… from public spaces… but they erase women from life.”

The zoom chat was full of empathy for the women and girls of Afghanistan; anger that they are being treated so harshly; and admiration for Sarah’s eloquence, openness and bravery. We have had a number of emails since, echoing these sentiments. We have shared your comments with Sara who was touched by your kind words.

One of the members who got in touch with Green Party Women is Viv Griffiths. We are delighted to share this article which she wrote for Sussex Bylines about Afghan women Many of you have been asking how you can support Sara and other women and girls in Afghanistan. This will be a new regular feature in our newsletters. We will start with some requests which come directly from Sara.

If you are on Twitter/X then please follow @WRNAfghanistanWomen’s mental health has been adversely affected by the harsh restrictions. If you are a mental health professional with relevant experience such as trauma counselling and you would be interested in training a group of Afghan women (via zoom) to support other Afghan women then please email Green Party Women.

Consider donating to the crowdfunder for “Voices of Resilience: An Audiobook Initiative for Afghan Women,” aimed at empowering these courageous girls to stand up for their rights by recording audiobooks. 

Below, the avatar that Sara uses to retain her anonymity
image of a young Afghan woman in a bookshop. She is wearing headphones and holding a microphone.

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WOMEN & girls: AFGHANIstan https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/11/02/women-girls-afghanistan/ Sat, 02 Nov 2024 15:35:03 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=5242 Signing through their silence, singing their defiance🎙️ Register for this important GPW webinar 🗓️ Monday 11 November 18.30 💚 Listen to women from Afghanistan Registration link in GPW newsletter/Green Spaces RaisingWomensVoices #AfghanWomen

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Signing through their silence, singing their defiance
🎙️ Register for this important GPW webinar

🗓️ Monday 11 November 18.30

💚 Listen to women from Afghanistan

Registration link in GPW newsletter/Green Spaces

RaisingWomensVoices #AfghanWomen

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March for clean water https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/10/16/march-for-clean-water/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:06:04 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=5098 💧 Green Party Women are Marching for Clean Water. Join us on Sunday 3 November⏰️ Starting at 11.45📌 From Albert Embankment (S of the river between Vauxhall & Lambeth bridges) 📲 GPW are meeting from 11.15 near the Vauxhall end of Albert Embankment by the bus/tube and train stops here 🔍 Lost? DM us on […]

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💧 Green Party Women are Marching for Clean Water. Join us on Sunday 3 November
⏰️ Starting at 11.45
📌 From Albert Embankment (S of the river between Vauxhall & Lambeth bridges)

📲 GPW are meeting from 11.15 near the Vauxhall end of Albert Embankment by the bus/tube and train stops here

🔍 Lost? DM us on Sunday via X (You need to follow us first)
👕 Wear something blue!
📲 Look out for GPW email or this website for meeting point

More info from marchforcleanwater.org

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GPEW Autumn Conference 2024: Manchester https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/08/30/gpew-autumn-conference-2024-manchester/ Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:55:57 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=4349 Here’s our info leaflet for Conference Click on the image to open 👇

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Here’s our info leaflet for Conference

Click on the image to open 👇

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📣 GPEW Conference Prioritisation Ballot https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/08/12/%f0%9f%93%a3-gpew-conference-prioritisation-ballot/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:46:10 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=3954 ⏰ Deadline Extended! Wednesday 14 August : 23:59 📲 Vote to prioritise the motions that are important to YOU! 🤳 ALL members can vote – you don’t have to be registered for Conference attendance 🤔 What will you prioritise? ❓ #50s Women? ❓ #ZanesLaw? ❓ Safe spaces to enable proper debate? Link to the ballot […]

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⏰ Deadline Extended! Wednesday 14 August : 23:59

📲 Vote to prioritise the motions that are important to YOU!

🤳 ALL members can vote – you don’t have to be registered for Conference attendance

🤔 What will you prioritise?

#50s Women?

#ZanesLaw?

Safe spaces to enable proper debate?

Link to the ballot here for all GPEW members:

https://greenparty.org.uk/get-involved/conference/conference-2024-prioritisation-ballot/?

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No Green Witchers event in August! https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/08/06/no-green-witchers-event-in-august/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:37:40 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=3930 🌿 There’s no Green Witchers online event this month😎 @AnnePri23919006 is having a well deserved break🌿 Thanks so much for all you do for GPW, Anne🌿 Here’s a reminder of last month’s Shropshire event – a lovely distraction in this challenging week

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🌿 There’s no Green Witchers online event this month
😎 @AnnePri23919006 is having a well deserved break
🌿 Thanks so much for all you do for GPW, Anne
🌿 Here’s a reminder of last month’s Shropshire event – a lovely distraction in this challenging week

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National Marine Week  https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/07/26/national-marine-week/ Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:00:39 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=3871 National Marine Week is celebrated annually in the UK. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the marine world whilst also learning about the vital importance of our seas. Organised by The Wildlife Trusts, National Marine Week actually spans two weeks. This year’s theme is ‘Sea’ the Connection. It runs from July 27 to August 11. It is deliberately timed to coincide with the […]

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National Marine Week is celebrated annually in the UK. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the marine world whilst also learning about the vital importance of our seas.

Organised by The Wildlife Trusts, National Marine Week actually spans two weeks. This year’s theme is ‘Sea’ the Connection. It runs from July 27 to August 11. It is deliberately timed to coincide with the school summer holidays to encourage individuals and families to explore the rich diversity of marine life and to help raise awareness about marine conservation.

Anne’s black and white photo shows a grey seal swimming underwater near the Farne Islands off the coast of Northumberland

The ecological importance of marine life

The UK’s marine environment is incredibly diverse, hosting an array of ecosystems ranging from rocky shores and sandy beaches to deep-sea habitats. These ecosystems contribute to:

• Nutrient cycling – the breaking down of organic material and recycling nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.

• Carbon sequestration – absorbing about 25% of the CO2 emitted by human activities.

• Oxygen production – marine phytoplankton are responsible for producing roughly 50% of the Earth’s oxygen.

They also support a wide variety of species, including marine plants, plankton, countless invertebrates, fish, seals, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. These species, whether they are predators, prey, or decomposers, each play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. 

This biodiversity is crucial for the stability and resilience of marine ecosystems. The removal or decline of one species can have cascading effects throughout the marine environment.

Challenges facing our seas

Despite the beauty and importance of marine ecosystems, they are under threat from human activities. Plastic pollution is one of the most visible issues, with millions of tonnes of plastic waste entering the oceans each year. This pollution harms marine life, damages habitats, and can even enter the human food chain.

Overfishing is another critical problem, leading to the depletion of key species and the disruption of the marine food chain. Additionally, climate change is causing ocean temperatures to rise and increasing acidification, both of which have profound impacts on marine biodiversity.

Marine conservation

In the UK efforts to protect marine life include the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and sustainable fishing practices. The UK employs quota systems, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures to prevent overfishing and promote stock recovery. However, despite this UK fish stocks are still in a deeply troubling state.

Other efforts include pollution control measures, and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure the health of marine ecosystems.

Get involved in National Marine Week 

Events and activities

There are a range of events during National Marine Week that you can get involved in. These include guided rock pooling sessions, organised beach cleans, educational talks, snorkelling adventures, and boat trips to name just a few. The Wildlife Trusts and other participating organisations provide resources and expertise, making these events accessible and informative for all ages.

Use the interactive Wildlife Trusts map to find an event near you. 

Contribute to science

One of the highlights of National Marine Week is the chance to participate in public science projects. These projects encourage individuals to contribute to real scientific research by recording sightings of marine animals, monitoring beach litter, and helping with habitat restoration efforts.

Take action

Everyone can play a part in protecting marine environments, and not just during National Marine Week, although it is the perfect time to start. 

Simple actions such as reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable seafood choices, and participating in local beach cleans can make a significant difference. Additionally, staying informed about marine issues and supporting policies that promote ocean conservation are crucial steps towards ensuring the health of UK seas.

Written by © Anne Baker

Photo Credit: © Anne Baker, kindly reproduced here with permissions for the 2024 GPW committee

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50s Women CEDAWinLAW campaign https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/07/16/write-to-your-mp-50swomen-cedawinlaw-campaign/ Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:41:02 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=3803 CEDAWINlaw conference motion not debated at 2024 Autumn Conference The motion is reproduced below. Conference seemed to spend a lot of time on GPEW business this year which sadly prevented members discussing all the motions they wanted to hear about and vote on. Motion E19: 50s Women CEDAWinLAW campaign:  “For the Green Party as a […]

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CEDAWINlaw conference motion not debated at 2024 Autumn Conference

The motion is reproduced below. Conference seemed to spend a lot of time on GPEW business this year which sadly prevented members discussing all the motions they wanted to hear about and vote on.

“For the Green Party as a whole and our four newly elected MPs to support and pressurise the new Labour Government to rectify this historical wrong as a moral imperative and finally get these women the justice they deserve.

Conference calls upon the Green Party of England and Wales and our Members of Parliament to:

  • Write to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to commit to the ADR with CEDAWinLAW representatives forthwith, stating our Party and Parliamentary support for the “The50s Women CEDAWinLAW Campaign” and CEDAW GR40 recommendation
  • Write to the Prime Minister for this purpose
  • Forward an Early Day Motion for this purpose, as necessary”

Write to your MP

As part of our support for the #50sWomen CEDAWinLAW campaign we are calling on all of our members to write to their MPs asking them to join the Cross Party Alternative Dispute Resolution Group for 50sWomen.

Green Party Women WRITE TO YOUR MP TO SUPPORT Supporting #50sWomen #CEDAWinLAW #RaisingWomensVoices #ForWomenAndPlanet

A template for doing this is provided below in Word format, or you can copy and paste from the template below into your preferred software.

If you are yourself one of the 50sWomen, you may wish to also add additional information about your own experience of the State Pension Injustice you have suffered and any evidence.

If you are not sure who your MP or how to contact them by visit www.parliament.uk or you can use WriteToThem, an online service that makes it easy to write to the politicians who represent you – even if you don’t know who they are.

Write to your MP – 50sWomen Template


Dear [Insert MP’s NAME],

Re. Compensating 50sWomen affected by State Pension age changes

Congratulations on your recent victory at the election.

I’m contacting you as a [Insert CONSTITUENCY name ] Resident to ask if you will pledge your support for Settlement-Talks for ALL #50sWomen detrimentally financially affected by State Pension age issues.

I support 50sWomen and would like you to join the Cross Party Alternative Dispute Resolution Group started by Sir George Howarth (previously Knowsley Constituency MP).

Will you do this please to represent me as my MP?

Any Settlement based on the PHSO Ombudsman’s Report alone will NOT represent Justice as he did not investigate discrimination.

50sWomen’s enforceable rights have been breached and restitution must be made.

Just under 4 million 50sWomen born in the 1950s were affected when successive governments failed to notify them of State Pension age changes. Some 50sWomen have been forced to sell their homes and rely on foodbanks as a result, and currently one 50s woman is dying every 13 minutes, without ever receiving any compensation.

50sWomen have been impacted and affected by many different factors including:

  • Gender PayGap
  • Gender PensionGap
  • Lack of Equity
  • Lack of Equality
  • Proven Indirect & Direct Discrimination

See: https://davidhencke.com/…/direct-discrimination-former…/ for breaches of UK and International Law.
50sWomen and I am watching and waiting for the Government and the Work and Pensions Secretary to act promptly to set up Settlement-Talks.

With one affected woman dying every 13 minutes, they simply cannot afford to wait any longer for justice. Would you please write to the new Secretary of State on my behalf and commit to raising this in the Commons?

I would be grateful if you could reply to me very soon and as a matter of greatest urgency. Yours sincerely,

[Please include your full name, full address and Postcode and a contact telephone number to show you are a constituent]


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#PlasticFreeJuly 2024 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/2024/07/15/plasticfreejuly/ Mon, 15 Jul 2024 03:23:12 +0000 https://women.greenparty.org.uk/?p=3771 This year the Green Party Women Committee accepted the #PlasticFreeJuly Challenge to refuse single-use plastics for a month and find alternatives.  Plastic Free July is an initiative by the Plastic Free Foundation and is a worldwide movement, where millions of people join in to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Green Party Women #PlasticFreeJuly Top […]

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This year the Green Party Women Committee accepted the #PlasticFreeJuly Challenge to refuse single-use plastics for a month and find alternatives. 

Plastic Free July is an initiative by the Plastic Free Foundation and is a worldwide movement, where millions of people join in to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Green Party Women #PlasticFreeJuly Top Eco Tips

Throughout the month we have been be sharing resources to support the campaign. We have also been highlighting alternatives to plastics on our social media (X and Facebook).

We have been sharing our own #PlasticFree top eco tips. Some of our members and supporters have been sharing theirs with us too. Below is a selection of those we have highlighted so far.

Do you have a tip of your own that you would like to share with us? If so, email us at info@greenpartywomen.org.uk  with subject title #PlasticFreeJuly, and we will share your tip too.

#PlasticFreeJuly GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “Switch personal care and household cleaning products to bicarbonate of soda. Less packaging and exceptional for cleaning (sinks, bathrooms, surfaces etc.), absorbing odours AND surprisingly effective as a deodorant.” TINA ROTHERY, GREEN PARTY WOMEN CO-CHAIR
#PlasticFreeJuly GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS
"I found a local independent green grocer where I can buy fruit and veg loose with no plastic packaging. Just fill my hessian bag old school-style and take it home!" 
MANDY VERE, GREEN PARTY WOMEN MEMBER
#PlasticFreeJuly GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “I always try and buy food in bulk when I can to reduce packaging and use my own non plastic containers to fill up at shops that offer a affordable zero waste option.” AMANDA STONES, GREEN PARTY WOMEN CO-CHAIR
#PlasticFreeJuly GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “We save left over bits of lemon and lime and freeze them in glass boxes in the freezer so we are never short for a G&T” SUE CORNER, GREEN PARTY WOMEN MEMBER SIOBHAN SCANLAN, GREEN PARTY WOMEN COMMITTEE MEMBER
#Plastic FreeJ uly GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “I like my wooden pegs it makes it easy to get the washing off the line when the rain comes” JILL TURNER, GREEN PARTY WOMEN MEMBER
#Plastic Free July GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “I stopped buying bottles of shower gel and use bar soap instead. It is such an easy way to reduce consumption of single-use plastics” SUE WILLIAMS, ECO FEMINIST
#Plastic Free July GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “I take a reusable cup out with me so I don’t use one of those single use cups and just chuck it away.” LOPPY OUBRIDGE, GREEN PARTY WOMEN COMMITTEE MEMBER
#Plastic Free July GREEN PARTY WOMEN'S TOP ECO TIPS “I use waxed cloth instead of clingfilm. I chop little bespoke sizes from a roll and use string or elastic bands to secure. The pieces are also resuable -a quick rinse and dry, and you are good to go again!” JESSICA GOLDFINCH, GREEN PARTY WOMEN MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
#Plastic Free July GREEN PARTY WOMEN TOP ECO TIPS “Use fabric shopping bags, jute bags or just old fashioned string bags” SARAH BINGHAM, ECO FEMINIST

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