Women’s Manifesto for Westminster Elections 2024: Empowering Women in North Down
As we approach the Westminster elections in 2024, Kilcooley Women’s Centre is proud to present a Women’s Manifesto for North Down. This manifesto outlines our priorities and commitments to support and amplify the voices of women in our community, with a particular focus on addressing the impacts of Brexit and how local women have not benefited from the replacement EU Shared Prosperity Fund. Our goal is to ensure that the unique challenges faced by women are addressed and that their contributions to society are recognised and valued, and the candidates outline from the outset, how they will work for change.
1. Economic Empowerment and Job Security
a. Supporting Female Entrepreneurs and SMEs
- Provide targeted programmes of support for women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Social Enterprise
- Establish mentorship and training programs to support female entrepreneurs.
b. Addressing Job Security and Fair Wages
- Advocate for policies that ensure fair wages and job security for women in all sectors.
- Promote flexible working arrangements and job-sharing opportunities to accommodate working mothers and caregivers.
- Supporting women considered ‘economically inactive’ back to the workplace through training and support
c. Brexit Impact Mitigation
- Develop support programs for women whose community engagement opportunities and training have been adversely affected by Brexit.
- Facilitate access to new funding streams to replace the now ended EU streams.
- Campaign to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme
2. Healthcare and Well-being
a. Improving Access to Healthcare Services
- Ensure that women in North Down have access to comprehensive healthcare services, including GP appointments, mental health support.
- Increase funding for reproductive health services and maternal care.
b. Addressing Mental Health and Domestic Violence
- Adequate support for mental health services to address the increased stress and anxiety resulting from cost of living and other uncertainties.
- Strengthen support systems for victims of domestic violence, including safe homes and wrap around support services.
3. Education and Skills Development
a. Enhancing Educational Opportunities
- Promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for girls and young women.
- Provide community based training or women wanting to upskill or reenter the labour market.
b. Lifelong Learning and Skill Development
- Implement programs for adult education and continuous skill development to help women adapt to post-Brexit job markets.
- Offer retraining opportunities for women whose jobs have been displaced by Brexit-related changes.
4. Community and Civic Engagement
a. Encouraging Political Participation
- Advocate for greater representation of women in local and national political bodies.
- Support initiatives that encourage women to run for office and participate in civic activities.
b. Strengthening Community Networks
- Foster community networks and support groups for women to share resources and information.
- Promote volunteerism and community engagement among women.
5. Social Protection and Safety
a. Enhancing Social Security and Benefits
- Advocate for policies that provide adequate social security and benefits for single mothers, caregivers, and elderly women.
- Ensure that social protection measures consider the specific needs of women affected by Brexit.
b. Promoting Women’s Safety
- Implement measures to improve women’s safety in public spaces and the workplace.
- Address issues such as coercive control, stalking, and gender-based violence through robust legislation and community awareness programs.
6. Environmental Sustainability and Housing
a. Supporting Sustainable Practices
- Promote environmental sustainability initiatives that create job opportunities for women.
- Encourage women’s participation in green and renewable energy sectors.
b. Addressing Housing Needs
- Advocate for affordable and secure housing options for women, particularly single mothers and low-income families.
- Develop housing policies that take into account the impact of Brexit on housing markets and affordability.
Conclusion
The Women’s Manifesto for North Down is a comprehensive plan to empower and support women in our community, addressing the multifaceted impacts of Brexit. By prioritizing economic empowerment, healthcare, education, community engagement, social protection, and environmental sustainability, we aim to create a thriving and inclusive society where every woman has the opportunity to succeed and contribute.
We call on all candidates in the Westminster elections 2024 to endorse and implement these priorities, ensuring that the voices of women in North Down are heard and respected. Together, we can build a better future for all.
Kilcooley Women’s Centre is dedicated to the empowerment and well-being of women in North Down. This manifesto reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women and ensuring their voices are at the forefront of political and social change.