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Original poster

Time to homeschool the GVMT?!

86 replies

CJA37 · 26/01/2021 14:53

Hi everyone,

I'm a member of WEP and on their Policy Committee for equal parenting and caregiving.

We're launching a campaign to homeschool the government as they don't seem to realise:
12 hours caring for young children + 6 hours teaching older kids + 8 hours working = >24 Confused

We're asking everyone who cares about this to take a photo/make a short clip of how you'd homeschool the government to be better for women. Share it on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #homeschooled at 3pm on Saturday 30th Jan.

We're aiming to create an impact so that we can show that there are ideas for better eg legal right to furlough for parents, nursery bailouts etc. More info: www.womensequality.org.uk/home_schooled_action

We know that Covid is having and will continue to have a massive impact on equality so we want to keep that conversation going.

Cheryl

OP posts:
MaudTheInvincible · 26/01/2021 21:15

I never see the WEP mentioned without feeling sad that they've let us down so completely, especially when I was so filled with hope when it launched.

Original poster
CJA37 · 26/01/2021 20:42

@OhHolyJesus

I'd agree with your thoughts.

I'm afraid I'm very sceptical of the WEP as I know how they have thrown women under the bus so I am reluctant to support them.

That said I know there are women and men in the parties on the left trying to keep some sense.

I appreciate the good work of this new campaign but as so many women have been lost from the left and from Twitter it's hard to know the best way of reaching them. At least there's Mumsnet and it's still called Mumsnet and not Parentsnet as a man who was not a parent once told me as it was not very 'inclusive'.

It is always hard to know how to reach people given how polarising social media is. Where can anyone go for conversation and to listen/learn/support each other?!

I'm sorry to hear that people feel WEP have thrown women under a bus. From my experience of being a member for the last year or so, I've found comfort in the number of people who are trying to do/make things better for all. That said, I know that there are very engaged and passionate people who believe different things in the party and that's always tough.

OP posts:
OhHolyJesus · 26/01/2021 19:28

I'd agree with your thoughts.

I'm afraid I'm very sceptical of the WEP as I know how they have thrown women under the bus so I am reluctant to support them.

That said I know there are women and men in the parties on the left trying to keep some sense.

I appreciate the good work of this new campaign but as so many women have been lost from the left and from Twitter it's hard to know the best way of reaching them. At least there's Mumsnet and it's still called Mumsnet and not Parentsnet as a man who was not a parent once told me as it was not very 'inclusive'.

Original poster
CJA37 · 26/01/2021 18:06

[quote OhHolyJesus]What if you're banned from Twitter and not on Instagram?

I'd be interested in what your thought are in this Cheryl, given the WEP's inclusive stance and definition of 'woman' (though I'm not sure what the WEP's definition is of mother).

Thanking mums for juggling childcare/work during pandemic www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4147321-Thanking-mums-for-juggling-childcare-work-during-pandemic[/quote]
Good point. I know that many people are not on social media and don't want to be. In which case, if you want to be involved you can email me on [email protected] and I'll share. Or just let me know ideas of what else we can be doing to share these messages.

As for Sunak's "thanks". I can only speak personally when I say that it annoyed me. To me it entrenches the view that it's women who, are of course, are doing the juggling. It frustrates me too because, like the clap for carers, it's easy to do a token thanks or gesture but without using your power to change the system practically then it's means less. I would prefer his debt of gratitude was paid in bailouts for nurseries, extra holiday days for parents, legal right to furlough etc.

What are your thoughts?

OP posts:
OhHolyJesus · 26/01/2021 17:55

What if you're banned from Twitter and not on Instagram?

I'd be interested in what your thought are in this Cheryl, given the WEP's inclusive stance and definition of 'woman' (though I'm not sure what the WEP's definition is of mother).

Thanking mums for juggling childcare/work during pandemic www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/4147321-Thanking-mums-for-juggling-childcare-work-during-pandemic

AlmostStace · 26/01/2021 17:26

I'll definitely be there, pic in hand and hashtag at the ready!

ElllieS · 26/01/2021 16:54

Very important message, Cheryl, well done for getting this going!

Original poster
CJA37 · 26/01/2021 16:53

Parents (and children) really do get overlooked time and time again. Very sad figures about mental health problems on the rise in children right now.

I would love to see more policies that put parents'/children's needs at the centre.

If anyone ever has any ideas or suggestions on things that WEP can be doing to make this happen, please get in touch.

OP posts:
hmoody510 · 26/01/2021 16:05

Really important initiative - I'll definitely be taking part. Thanks so much for sharing.

Mumofgirlswholiketoplaywithmud · 26/01/2021 15:41

Great idea!

teamof5 · 26/01/2021 15:38

such an important message for the government to hear Cheryl. Thanks for leading the conversation! I'm personally fed up of parents' needs being overlooked.

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