Page 23 - 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 human 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 passing of a private members bill on ‘upskirting’ and ‘downblousing’. This is now
illegal as is sexual harassment in a public place. However, we continue to see misogyny 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 chil-
dren 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by on matters of concern such as the outdated and criminalising abortion laws, the review and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

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