Page 21 - BPW-UK ANNUAL REVIEW 2023-2024

A presentation on advocacy and discussion on the
way forward was given at our National Conference in
Belfast. Two motions were passed on misogyny and hu-
man rights. These had been well researched beforehand
and lobbying continued after we had been given the
mandate to do so.

Some progress has been made in both areas in
that misogyny online has been restricted due to the pass-
ing of a private members bill on ‘upskirting’ and
‘downblousing’. This is now illegal as is sexual harass-
ment in a public place. However, we continue to see mi-
sogyny in the ‘traditional’ male dominated areas of work
and the backlash of online influencers on young boys and
men. The Online Safety Bill which recently passed promises more protection to children and
make online platforms legally accountable for harmful content.

The proposed UK Bill of Human Rights was eventually abandoned after considerable lob-
bying especially from NGOs. However, there are still issues around the human rights of refu-
gees which could go against the ECHR to which we were one of the first signatories.

The AWG meets regularly once a month and has continued to discuss, research and lob-
by on matters of concern such as the outdated and criminalising abortion laws, the review and
subsequent guidance on RHSE in schools and water pollution.

We have had two ‘Wednesday Talks’ on advocacy during the last year which have engen-
dered discussion and helpful input from members and updates have been circulated in the
Newsletter.

I would like to thank all members who have supported and advised me during the last
year.

Chris Nendick

Vice President Advocacy

BP W U K - A N N U A L R E VIEW 2 0 2 3 ~ 2 0 2 4