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Original poster

Single sex social groups / ventures - legal? Possible?

33 replies

EarthSight · 07/06/2023 22:59

I've had some ideas for a while now to start a social group around a hobby of mine, and a potential business. This would be in the U.K. I don't want to reveal too much information so please understand why I need to be vague about some things.

I would be interested in catering to women only for the business for safety reasons, as I'd be the sole business owner catering to clients by myself. It's not a massage or home based beauty therapy, but that would give you a fair idea of the risk I could be exposed to.

The social group/s would cater to women in a certain age. I'd be interested in exuding men as it would be about a hobby that is very male dominated (I would estimate 70 - 90% in some groups). Not only that, but it tends to draw a certain type of man that I'm certain would really put off most female attendees, especially if quite a few started to attend.

So....my question is are the current laws surrounding setting up such single-sex ventures in the U.K?

OP posts:
Hepwo · 08/06/2023 08:10

A woman did attack the Shed organisation a couple of years ago. She identified as a man.

They initially said this wouldn't be for you, but got attacked online so much they gave in.

The guidance has been clarified since then.

nettie434 · 08/06/2023 08:06

IwantToRetire · 08/06/2023 00:53

There was a newspaper article earlier this week about how a woman had set up a "Women's Shed" based on the concept of "Men's Shed" and was presented as perfectly acceptable.

Also, though no time to find the link, Bristol SU had to back down on telling Bristol Women's Students couldn't have a women only group.

I have often thought about Men in Sheds in all the discussion about single sex spaces. Rhetorical question: can anyone think of an example where a group of women or trans men have condemned their misandry and insisted on joining a group?

I actually think Men in Sheds do good work and show how it's possible to set up a service solely for a specific group. Good luck with your plans, EarthSight

PriOn1 · 08/06/2023 04:50

I hope you’ve had confirmation enough to go ahead, OP. Good luck with your new venture.

IwantToRetire · 08/06/2023 00:53

There was a newspaper article earlier this week about how a woman had set up a "Women's Shed" based on the concept of "Men's Shed" and was presented as perfectly acceptable.

Also, though no time to find the link, Bristol SU had to back down on telling Bristol Women's Students couldn't have a women only group.

BinturongsSmellOfPopcorn · 07/06/2023 23:35

It is legal to make something single sex if it is 'a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim'.

If women are that underrepresented, increasing their participation is a legitimate aim. Having a women-only group (if there are already plenty of mixed or men's groups) seems proportionate.

Hepwo · 07/06/2023 23:23

Of course you can.

You can write a policy which explains why you are using the single sex exemption.

If you explain that there's already mixed sex accessible groups available you are covering that provision base off, it's not the sole service available.

Explain the situation in the policy, women being more comfortable without male members is a legitimate reason.
https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/our-work/news/guidance-published-providers-single-sex-services

Guidance published for providers of single-sex services | Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/our-work/news/guidance-published-providers-single-sex-services

Screamingabdabz · 07/06/2023 23:03

I’m no help but I certainly hope so! Depressing that 5 years ago this wouldn’t have even been considered an issue.