VP Issues, Sherryll - March 26

Kia ora koutou,

A significant focus this month has been preparing responses from members to provide input on the Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, highlighting the vital role of unpaid carers. Our submission emphasised the importance of practical supports, visibility in policy design, and long-term planning that recognises the caring responsibilities so often carried by women.   Consultation on the draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan  ………Our Feedback here

I  represent BPW NZ regularly on the Online Safety Caucus which relates to online safety and digital harm.  The recent report from the committee inquiry into the experiences of young New Zealanders online has been our major focus.  I was able to share BPW NZ perspectives which are grounded in our longstanding commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls and ensuring that digital spaces are safe and equitable.  This work reinforces our belief that protection from harm must extend into online environments where young people increasingly learn, connect, and participate.

The Issues task force is currently collating feedback to the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls to present to the 81^st session of the United National General Assembly on violence against older women.  This is a questioner that looks at the forms and manifestations of violence experienced by older women, particularly those that they suffer based on their age and sex, the relevant laws and gaps in legislation, and the best practices that could adequately address their challenges.  Read more here … 

I am also working with the team on reviewing material related to the Data and Statistics Amendment Bill and considering how proposed changes, including the timing of the national census, may affect the collection of gender-relevant data. Accurate, timely data remains critical for measuring progress on issues such as pay equity, representation, and women’s economic participation.

BPW NZ has also:

• Completed an Online Survey regarding practical recommendations for a safe and enabling environment for civil society, based on good practices and lessons learned. 

• A Media Statement in response to the Committee Inquiry into Online Child Safety

• Letters regarding the Cancellation of School Bus Services (CHB)

• Media Statement in response to the Peoples Select Committee on Pay Parity Launch (Franklin)

• Letter regarding Employment Relations Act (Franklin)

• Written an Article for NCW on the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR)

All of these are kept in a folder accessible to all members of BPWNZ.

Submissions & Media Statements Register

A call to action:

We have many skilled and informed members in BPW and utilizing their strengths are paramount to our advocacy role, both nationally but internationally.  I strongly encourage each club to nominate one representative to join the Issues Task Force. This helps ensure information about current issues, submissions, and advocacy work, guided by BPW NZ policy, aims, and goals, is shared effectively.   Task Force discussions, minutes and outcomes can then be reported back at your club’s monthly meetings, keeping members informed, engaged, and providing opportunities for everyone to contribute.

I will be travelling overseas for the month of April and the Issues Taskforce will be in the capable hands of our Issues Chair, Teresa Mee. 

Nga Mihi nui

Sherryll Markie-Brookes

BPW NZ VP Issues