Sex Equality and Equity Network - Gender crit network for civil servants.

[fromorbit]

Important new initiative for government workers. This is where a huge fight back is going to happen in behind the scenes government, in memos and meetings. If we don't win in the civil service, it doesn't matter how many demos or cases we win, how many twitter threads we write, sooner or later sex differences will be erased. If you work in government/public sector get involved asp.

seen-network.uk/

"We are happy to announce the launch of our new UK cross-government staff network, the Sex Equality and Equity Network.
SEEN is a staff network committed to promoting and supporting sex equality and equity between women and men in our workplaces, and helping all staff to thrive at work and fulfil their potential. The focus of our network is on challenging sex discrimination and upholding rights and protections that relate to sex (including the protections provided to those with the protected characteristics of sex, pregnancy and maternity and sexual orientation, as set out in the Equality Act 2010). We recognise that to achieve this and ensure sex equality and equity sometimes requires treating women and men differently, according to our different rights and needs.

We are also committed to the protected belief (covered by the protected characteristic of religion and belief in the Equality Act 2010) that biological sex is binary and immutable, that biological sex matters for both women and men in our everyday lives, including for our rights and needs in the workplace, and that biological sex must not be conflated with, or replaced by, the concepts of gender or gender identity."

I attended the first half then had to drop off. I found the talk about data and Invisible Women interesting, but I couldn’t help thinking that the points made, while important, don’t obviously necessitate the creation of a D&I network

I’m really disappointed that I missed it. It was in my diary but I just had too much else on. Hopefully the recording will be shared.

This is true, of course. A large part of the aim of the SEEN network is mutual support and employment protection, but naturally they can't say that out loud. Another aim is to do what the LGBT and women's networks used to do before they were captured; but they can't say that either.

All the Civil Service networks are created to support inclusion and to promote equality.

The fact is that the first legally protected characteristic was sex (Sex Discrimination Act and Equal Pay Act in the mid 70's) - race was straight after in 1976.

Almost 50 years later there are civil service networks for lots of things which is absolutely great, but until now, nothing recognising sex (we have a Gender Equaliity Network where I work)

I thought the speakers did very well, and I impressed they largely stayed calm at the end. Don't blame the gay male representative (who gave a really touching speech about the homophobia he'd faced) getting a frustrated with the angry chap who asked a question (i.e. ranted incoherently) at the end, he was being a knob in the comments too. Did anyone else spot the trolls by the inclusion of pronouns in their username?

It was so heartening to see upvotes on all the v. good refutations in the chat. Fun to think that was due loads of Mnetters being present, but I hope a lot of them were people who hadn't realised that their concerns were shared by others.

I couldn't make it, but so pleased it went ahead. Well done everyone who was there.

Another one who couldn't make it but glad it went ahead!

I had a hopeful look at a few calendars to see if anyone I knew had something blocked off for that time but sadly I think I'm on my own in my part of the CS universe...

We're right by you, Forth. I thought I was the only one in my directorate but no, there's another terf apparently

Was this a session that those who have signed to to SEEN could attend? Was it via Teams? Could you see the names and have people joined the network who are not supportive of it being created?

Debating whether to sign up.

Another Mnetter who dialled in today here. Those setting this up were so brave. Agree it was good to have the reassurance we weren't alone. Loved the comment about it being ironic that it was a man who was telling us women what we should regard as a woman. I sent a mildly feminist opinion on IWD for a work newsletter this morning and that felt like I was going too far for comfort.

The Civil Service Race Forum invited SEEN to present so wasn’t just SEEN members. Was via Teams. You could see everyone’s names and it was recorded. Interesting to see if there are any repercussions from that but there were many GC colleagues online.

I also couldn't attend today, but I am a signed up SEEN member and am delighted that this event was held and will look out for the recording.

The fact my employer thinks I'm a woman due to my womanly thoughts and feelings instead of my biology, and prevents me from mentioning sex in case I offend other colleagues, is enough of a reason for the creation of the SEEN for me.

But is that really an appropriate use of a cross-government Network? And are you sure the Civil Service Women’s network wouldn’t take forward points like this, if members asked them to?

As a member of the LGBT+ Network I’m not really clear what interests SEEN represents that aren’t already covered.

There isn't a Civil Service Woman's network any more. Because it wasn't compatible with gender ideology. And the presenter explained that he'd been shut out of the his branch of the LGBT+ network for saying he was same sex attracted. So I think there is a definite gap in the staff networks for anyone who believes sex is real, binary, immutable and important. There aren't any, other than SEEN who would ever represent me.

i thought the presenters all did a fantastic job, was lovely to just be part of feeling something so supportive and understanding!

I don't work for the civil service but I'm really hoping you can 🤞 If yes, then this would be very significant for so many people in the NHS who want to speak out to protect the health of patients by using clear language e.g. the confusion resulting from removing the word "woman" from advice about cervical smears.

Hope so too, I know midwifes (not old!) who are horrified at what's happening at universities right now.

Where was this talk advertised? Gutted I missed it.

I’m a civil servant and was notified by the local race network. The civil service race forum platformed SEEN as a chance to speak to their members, not SEEN members, but anyone was eligible to sign up as long as you are a civil servant. I think what I’ve heard from SEEN is that they do hope for member only events at some point, but if you are worried about joining I’m sure they are aware of the dangers for staff in the civil service who believe sex is relevant to certain situations, but they have a contact form on their website so if you are worried you can ask them directly before joining?

See above message - for some reason quote didn’t work!

I got a heads up via my membership of the network, have you joined the mailing list?

Not sure how to become aware of these events.

IdleAnimations · Today 22:10
I’m sure they are aware of the dangers for staff in the civil service who believe sex is relevant to certain situations, but they have a contact form on their website so if you are worried you can ask them directly before joining?

On the the subject of sex being relevant, I wondered if you are aware of this? Your details would be private.
twitter.com/bindelj/status/1633045053164617729
www.mumsnet.com/talk/petitions_noticeboard/4758082-petition-to-update-the-equality-act-thread-3

If you've signed up they send an email.

You do need a .gov email though (or did for this one). My sign up for the network was accepted but I wouldn't have been able to get into today's event because I'm in an ALB with a different address format.

Does anyone know if they're recruiting for members yet properly? After seeing the brave speakers today I really want help put.

I attended. The speakers were very brave. I felt almost emotional hearing these topics being openly discussed. I missed the launch event last year.

I thought the interjections by the particularly vocal non-GF CSRF member were not in the spirit of the event at all. I would not turn up to a Muslim Network event and start haranguing them about hijabs. It made the point totally clear about why we need SEEN in the first place.