In Scotland we still have a long way to go in terms of changing attitudes which perpetuate violence against women. Its a disgrace that our domestic abuse rates are so high and our rape conviction rate is so low. In the run up to International Women's Day on the 8th of March, and 4 years to the day since Amnesty launched its Stop Violence Against Women campaign, we invite men in Scotland to stand up and be counted.

On Wednesday the 5th of March, we will assemble at Bristo Square from 12.45pm. At 1pm, carrying a giant white ribbon to symbolise the campaign and handing out flyers as we go, we will march along George IV Bridge, down the steps at The Mound, and along Princes St, finishing at Waterloo Place. A simple action but one that has the potential to reach a lot of people.

It really won't take long - do you have something better to do with your lunch hour on that day?

While we want as many men as possible to come along, carry the giant ribbon and challenge violence against women, we'll also have some placards for women who are keen to join us.

Please sign up for this event ! To confirm you will be attending and for further information please email scotland@amnesty.org.uk to give us an idea of numbers

This event has been set up as a Facebook event - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8181598855

An Edinburgh White Ribbon group meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, upstairs in the Wash Bar on the Mound at 8.30pm
- they can be contacted on whiteribbon.edinburgh@googlemail.com

NEW

FBU best practice maternity, paternity, adoption policy which was recently passed by the EC

Document added - Link

The Scottish Region Women’s Committee is a section within the Scottish Fire Brigades Union which represents all women members. It is part of the National Women’s Committee (NWC) The Committee is made up of Women Reps from each of the eight Brigades in Scotland.

What does the committee do for women FBU members?

Offers confidential advice and support

We guarantee that if you contact us for advice and support you will remain in control. Progress will only be made with your prior agreement. We will offer advice but your wishes will be paramount and your issues will remain confidential.

Provides dedicated women’s meetings

It can be very difficult for women to raise an issue such as sanitary provision and pregnancy at a meeting that is predominantly male. Because the FBU is committed to representing all its members, the Committee organise local women’s meetings where members can discuss issues with each other in a comfortable environment. The Committee then take these issues forward and action them.

Advises women on workplace facilities

Women in many Fire and Rescue Services still do not have their own showers, toilets and changing areas. This is totally unacceptable and the Committee is leading the campaign for dignity and privacy for all – women and men.

The Committee can advise you about the facilities in your area and raise areas of poor provision with management on your behalf. The Committee has a minimum facilities policy which you can view on this website.

Gives advice about uniform and PPE

The Committee has raised the issue of women’s-fit uniforms with management across the UK. Women are still being made to wear uniforms designed for men – and this includes their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Advises members and managers on pregnancy and maternity

Members of the Committee can offer advice and support to expectant or new mothers.

We also assist fire and rescue service managers in developing local maternity policies, using the NWC’s model maternity policy to make positive changes throughout the country. The model policy, which can be found on this website is regularly updated to take account of changes to the law.

Provides networking opportunities

Women often work in isolation in the fire and rescue service. It can be good to make contact with other women doing the same job even if you aren’t experiencing any problems. Meeting others who have been through something that you are facing or might face in the future can be very positive. Talking can help to prevent a problem escalating and can make women feel less alone.

The National Women’s Committee hold regular schools, meetings and seminars where women members can exchange experiences and discuss issues. All women members are invited to the national women’s school which is held every spring.

Supports you through difficult times at work

Unfortunately, bullying and harassment still goes on in the Fire and Rescue Service. If it happens to you, the FBU has made sure that you can turn to trained women’s reps who will understand what you are going through and are able to empathise and fully support you.

FBU Supports Dignity-Period campaign

Action for Southern Africa - Peace, Justice, Solidarity

The Dignity! Period campaign is to help women in Zimbabwe who are suffering as a result of unsafe and unhygienic sanitary protection.

We've now launched an online film about the campaign, where you can see for yourself what life is like for these Zimbabwean women. Please watch this now and spread the word

ACTSA 231 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EH
Email: actsa@actsa.org
Tel: 020 3263 2001

The National Woman's Committee is made up of representitives from all regions across the four nations of the UK.

National Woman's Committee - Website - click here

National Woman's Committee - Mission Statement - click here

National Woman's Committee - Facilities Document - click here