Policy & Campaigns Internship – Fawcett’s ‘Cutting Women Out’ campaign – Fawcett Society – 16th January 2012
Further information
Time Commitment: 2-3 days per week, 3 months maximum
Start Date: Early February 2012
The Placement:
Since the announcement of the coalition government’s first ‘emergency’ Budget in June 2010 is has become increasingly clear that measures being taken to ‘pay down the deficit’ are having a disproportionate impact on women.
Cuts to benefits and public sector services hit women harder because:
* They make up the majority of the public sector workforce.
* They rely more heavily on benefits and tax credits (such as maternity payments, the working tax credit) – this is because women are more likely to be poorer, have greater caring responsibilities, be lone parents, be victims of sexual and domestic violence amongst a range of reasons.
* They are more likely to be the ones to ‘fill the gaps’ as public services (such as social care services) are withdrawn – this is because women still do the bulk of unpaid labour in the home.
We now face a situation where:
* Women’s unemployment is at a 23 year high, and rising
* Women on low incomes are becoming poorer
* Women’s access to vital support services is being undermined
* Increasing numbers of women are being forced to give up work as cuts to childcare support means it no longer makes financial sense to work
Fawcett’s ‘Cutting Women Out’ campaign aims to highlight and address the impact of the deficit cutting agenda which we are arguing is turning back time on progress on women’s equality.
We seek to effect change through:
* Influencing parliamentary debate and the legislative process
* Influencing internal government process
* Raising awareness through the media
* Raising awareness through campaign activity
You can read more about the campaign and its achievements to date here (http://fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1208). You can also read about our recent national ‘day of action’ here (http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1247).
Main Tasks:
* Review and compile information from journals, research reports, the media, websites and blogs
* Monitor the external environment for latest reports, policy news and statistics relating to the impact of deficit cutting measures on women
* Assist in the writing of campaign briefings and policy documents
* Liaise with campaign partners and stakeholders on research and policy matters
* Assist in developing public campaign actions
* Assist in planning for internal and external campaign meetings
* Administrative tasks as required
Skills and Knowledge:
Required:
* Extensive desk-based research experience
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Some experience of campaigning
* Good organisational skills
* Good IT skills
* Administrative experience
* Commitment to the aims of the Fawcett Society
Desirable:
* Interest in economics
* Parliamentary knowledge
Conditions:
Fawcett interns are volunteers, but we are able to offer you travel costs within London and up to £4.00 day for lunch.
To apply:
Please submit your CV, and a short covering letter saying why you would like the post, by 16 January to volunteer@fawcettsociety.org.uk. Successfully shortlisted candidates will be notified by 23 January, and interviews for this intern post will be held on 27 January.
Check http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=1163
