18/06/2024
A very interesting morning spent with Women’s Spaces, taking part in “A Seat At The Table” at Stormont. Where we had a chance to discuss issues that particularly affect women with political representatives to give a voice to the many women in their constituencies.
We discussed important issues such as femicide (we have one of the highest femicide rates in Europe), violence against women and girls, how the child benefit cap is disproportionately pushing more and more women into poverty, AI and its use against women and children and how the courts need overhauled to make sexual abuse cases safer for the victims.
As usual, there wasn't enough time to discuss all the issues we wanted to, but other topics such as refugee status, endometriosis care, period poverty, menopause and perimenopause care, lack of representation for unionist women, homeless shelters being unsafe for vulnerable women, and how the help of free school meals is lost to children throughout the holidays, among others, were noted and the representatives will reply with their comments in due course.
It was a busy day due to a full table of Opposition business proposed, so thanks to Claire Sugden MLA, Diane Forsythe MLA and Jill Macauley UUP Chair for taking the time to answer and note our comments, the staff at Stormont for facilitating and Womens Spaces for organising.
This was especially topical today, as it is the last day to register to vote in the July general election, so if you want to vote, make sure you are registered!
