Chat from the Chair
CAMPAIGNS UPDATE
Dear members
I hope you have been able to enjoy the summer, despite the extreme weather conditions. We are now moving into autumn, which is bringing much needed cooler weather and some rain.
NFWI have stepped up their campaign actions and it is important that we work closely with National to ensure our own neighbourhoods and communities can benefit from our endeavours, particularly on issues around climate change and sustainable living – matters that we know are close to you.
Here are some of the things we can all get involved in to make a difference!
Climate Change
As Britain comes to the end of its fifth heatwave this year, and we have seen catastrophic and devastating floods in Nepal, one thing
is clear: the climate and nature crisis is no longer a warning about the future. It’s here now, and escalating. To that end, NFWI is
supporting Zero Hour’s petition calling on the Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Secure Our Future.
The Prime Minister is already feeling the heat from corporate lobbyists and unions who want him to scrap net zero and drill in the North Sea. We face a choice: carry on with business as usual or seize the moment to deliver real change.
The heat is on, and Britain can't afford another false start. Help us make sure our Prime Minister on the side of people, not
polluters. Head to zerohour.uk/andy to sign the petition today.
Upcoming guidance on public loos
Since June, NFWI have been working to a campaign guide for WI members to provide them with everything they need to campaign
on this resolution in their communities. The guide is now available to download on My WI. You will also be able to request hard
copies of the guide. Head to the Current Campaigns page on My WI to see what the latest is.
No Woman Without a Home – campaign
When we think of homelessness, we often picture rough sleeping. But for many women, homelessness is hidden. It can mean sofa surfing, moving between temporary accommodation, living in unsafe housing, or staying in an abusive relationship because there is nowhere else to go. As a result, many women experiencing homelessness remain invisible and unsupported.
NFWI have set out 3 campaign asks:
1. Keep Her Home: Change the default response to domestic abuse so that, wherever it is safe to do so, and required, women and children can remain in their homes.
2. Keep Her Safe: Every Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) should trigger an automatic housing support assessment, including:
- security improvements and lock changes
- sanctuary measures
- tenancy, mortgage and legal advice
- practical support to help women remain safely at home.
3. Count Her to Prevent It: Campaign for the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census to be mandatory for local authorities.
We believe these priorities have the potential to create meaningful and lasting change for women and girls across the country,
helping to prevent homelessness, improve access to support services, and ensure that no woman is forced to choose between
abuse and a roof over her head.
Keep an eye on the Current Campaigns page on My WI over the next few weeks to find the campaign pack, ways to contribute
and how we can all make a real difference.
Jackie Westlake, OBE Campaigns Officer
Board of Trustees