Women in lockdown

The outbreak of Covid-19 is affecting everyone’s lives in multiple and complex ways, and its particular impact on women, including female educators, is an important part of the picture.

IT is clear that the coronavirus outbreak and resulting lockdown have had profound implications for women’s health, wellbeing and ability to live in safety and security – both at work and at home.

We are witnessing increasing numbers of women and girls experiencing domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

Refuge, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, reported a 120 per cent increase in calls to its helpline at the beginning of April. Social distancing and lockdown measures mean that many women and girls are now isolated with their abuser while any support networks, including those they may have had in the workplace, are more remote.

Experts warn that social isolation is increasing abuse as many perpetrators believe they will get away with their behaviour, particularly while key services, including the police, NHS and schools, are diverted elsewhere.

Support needed outside the home

The NEU believes that women who are experiencing any form of violence and abuse must be able to leave their home during lockdown and to access the support they need.

We believe it is more important than ever that school leaders and staff can support women who may be at risk of, or are experiencing, domestic abuse, including by signposting to helplines and services so that women know where to go to get support. The NEU welcomes the new public awareness campaign on domestic abuse launched by the Government (#YouAreNotAlone), as well as £2 million to

CHARLOTTE Carson (right) has won the inaugural NEU Annie Higdon Award for “the superb work she does in organising the Feminism in Schools project and conferences for young people and educators”.

The Annie Higdon Award acknowledges work done in challenging sexism and building women’s activity in the union. It is in honour of a key leader of the 25-year Burston School strike in Norfolk that began in 1914.

Charlotte, who is head of PSHE at The Charter School East Dulwich in Southwark, London, told Educate: “I am so grateful to the NEU for supporting the Feminism in Schools Network since its foundation in 2017. I am honoured to receive this award.

“The purpose of our conferences is to encourage young women and their educators to promote sex equality in schools and develop their confidence to be leaders in their communities and on the political stage.

“Schools are where young people learn about power. The UK Feminista and NEU report of 2017 showed us that shockingly high numbers of girls in our schools continue to be sexually harassed, bullied and assaulted.

“As educators, we are in a prime position to challenge this and empower our students to challenge this too.

“That’s why we need Feminism in Schools and why I’m so delighted to get the support and recognition of my union.”

Charlotte’s ‘superb work’ challenging sexism

support domestic abuse helplines and online support. The NEU will continue to stay in touch with the Government to ensure that this is meeting the need now and in the long term.

Resources

n NEU AdviceLine:

adviceline@neu.org.uk

n A list of helpline numbers and resources for women or girls experiencing violence:

neu.org.uk/advice/violenceagainst-women-and-girls

n TUC guidance for workplace reps to support women at risk of or experiencing domestic violence:

tinyurl.com/uoqu664

n National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 (24 hour) or

nationaldahelpline.org.uk/contact-us

n NEU advice for women who are pregnant or on maternity leave:

tinyurl.com/y8jstbty

n NEU social media and online advice:

tinyurl.com/vgz2leo

n NEU distance teaching advice:

tinyurl.com/skl28ql

n Advice relating to the numerous challenges families are facing at this time: neu.org.uk/media/10036/view