The purpose of Bristol's Women's Commission and its members.
Key purpose
The Mayor of Bristol acknowledges that:
- equality of women and men is a fundamental right
- to ensure this equality, multiple discrimination and disadvantage must be addressed
- the balanced participation of women and men in decision making is a pre-requisite of a democratic society
- the Equality Act 2010 requires public bodies to identify and address the impact of their policies, plans and practices on women
However, women in Bristol don't have equality of opportunity in work, public, social or family life. Bristol won't meet its vision and achieve its full potential if the experience, know-how, skills and creativity of women aren't fully taken into account.
The purpose of the Women's Commission is to work as a partnership to identify the key issues for women in Bristol and to produce an agreed Women's Strategy for Bristol, with a specific, time limited and practical action plan for its delivery.
The Women's Commission has established multi-agency task groups from members' organisations and other organisations and individuals in the city:
- Women's Safety
- Women's Representation in Public Life
- Women's Health
- Women and the Economy
- Women in Business
These groups produce in-depth reports with evidence and recommendations which are fed back to the Women's Commission. Accepted recommendations form part of the action plan.
The Bristol Women's Strategy will be the mechanism by which the City demonstrates its progress on meeting the obligations of the European Municipalities and Regions Charter for Equality of Women and Men in Local Life. Delivering an inclusive economy post COVID-19.
Delivering an inclusive economy post COVID-19
The pdf Delivering an inclusive economy post COVID-19 report (378 KB) shows how a care led economy would support wellbeing and fully use the skills, experience and knowledge of women in Bristol.
This is a practical, evidenced based report on actions that employers and decision makers need to take to renew Bristol's economy in a way that is inclusive, fair and sustainable.
The report was produced by Women's Commission Women and Economy Task Group, with the support of the Women and Business Group.
Councillor Helen Godwin, Cabinet Member for Women, Children and Young People, comments:
“This is an excellent report with a clear case for doing things differently post Covid-19. A truly inclusive economy must have gender equality at its heart, not only because this is fair and just, but, as the report makes clear, because this will ensure economic growth that will benefit everyone.”
Bristol Women's Commission supporting information
Bristol, a zero tolerance city
The Women's Commission is leading the campaign for Bristol to become a city with zero tolerance to gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation.
Bristol Women in Business Charter
The Women in Business group have released a Women in Business Charter.
The aim of this charter is to support businesses in becoming gender equal. All Bristol businesses can sign up and support the charter.
Members of the Women's Commission
- Dr Penny Gane, Chair of Bristol Women's Commission (Co Chair Women's Health Task Group)
- Joanne Ward, Vice Principal City of Bristol College and Co-Vice Chair of Bristol Women's Commission)
- Rebecca Mear, CEO of VOSCUR and Co-Vice Chair, Bristol Women's Commission
- Amanda Coffey, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UWE Bristol
- Roberta Guerrina, Professor Political Science at University of Bristol
- Victoria Matthews, Director of Business West
- Councillor Helen Holland, Bristol City Council Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Integrated Care System, Women and Women's Safety
- Sue Porto, CEO Sirona
- Dr Joanne Medhurst, Chief Medical Officer of BNSSG Integrated Care Board
- Kaye Palmer Greene, CEO North Star Academy Trust (Chair of Education Task Group)
- Monira Chowdhury, Head of EDI at North Bristol NHS Trust (Co-Chair of Health Task Group)
- Nina Skubala, Head of One Bristol City Office
- Victoria Hayward-Melen, Neighbourhood Chief Inspector at Avon and Somerset Police
- Diane Bunyan, Council of Europe Consultant (Co-Chair Economy Task Group)
- Sue Cohen, Research Associate at University of Bristol (Co-Chair Economy Task Group)
- Sandra Gordon, Director of Women in Business Charter CIC
- Katy Taylor, Director of Bristol Women's voice
- Helen Mott, Gender Equality Consultant
- Councillor Sarah Classick, Liberal Democrats, Bristol City Council
- Councillor Lisa Stone, Green Party, Bristol City Council
- Councillor Lesley Alexander, Conservative Party, Bristol City Council
- Councillor Kerry Bailes, Labour Party, Bristol City Council
Supported by:
- Rebecca Baldwin Cantello, Head of Equalities at Bristol City Council
- Laura Williams, Communications and Campaigns Consultant (BWC Comms and Campaigns Lead)