as many have expressed dismay at the events unfolding we are creating our response to the letter passed around. The letter will be available to share in a document with signatures including representatives of many of the women's groups pushing for consultation. If anybody wishes to have their name / position held added to the document please PM me. If you just wish to add your support, just comment here and keep it going.
In sisterhood
We are ordinary women, some of us Labour Party members, the rest of us potential Labour Party voters. We know that sexism and sexist messages received from birth mean we are less likely to push ourselves forward, to be listened to, to take the lead and have belief in our abilities, especially in a male-dominated sphere such as politics. Whatever our differences, this is an experience that unites women in society and is exactly why the Jo Cox Leadership programme is needed – to bolster self-esteem and confidence and work towards building a toolkit in preparation for political life.
The Labour Party and Labour Women’s Network, in association with the Jo Cox Foundation, have decided not to invoke Equality Act 2010 exemptions which would permit the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Programme to offer the programme to female participants only. We understand that graduates will feel a loyalty to the programme and its decisions. We hope they also feel a responsibility to reflect the diversity of women’s opinions in the party and wider society, and will use their leadership roles to ensure women are consulted about the things that affect us, whether Conservative Party proposals to review the Gender Recognition Act or Labour Party mechanisms to increase women's participation in political life.