The WNC is sorry to announce the departure of Sabin Malik from WNC's Board of Commissioners. Sabin has been a WNC Commissioner since February 2007 and provided WNC and the Board with essential insight on the views of minority ethnic women and other minority women. More recently, Sabin took over as Chair of the Migration and Asylum Working Group leading this important agenda for some of the most marginalised women in the country.

On behalf of Joyce, the Board and the whole of WNC, I would like to thank Sabin for all her hard work and commitment. I know that she has enjoyed her time with WNC and will continue to campaign for the gender agenda.  I wish her well in her new role at the Office for Security and Counter- Terrorism at the Home Office.

Barbara Collins

Director – WNC

Following the Second Reading of the Equality Bill on the 11th May 2009, Baroness Joyce Gould, the Chair of thre Women’s National Commission gave evidence to the Public Bill Committee on the 2nd June 2009. Taken from the 5th March 2009 letter submitted to Harriet Harman QC MP (click here), the WNC submitted the following statement to the Committee;

“The Women's National Commission (WNC) warmly welcomes the Equality Bill and the opportunity to look again at the broad equalities landscape, whilst reviewing the complexities and anomalies of existing legislation. WNC believes this Bill is a very necessary step and one in the right direction. Global legislation has developed and the global context has been transformed through international instruments such as CEDAW. The landscape is now one where intersectionality is the norm and where we can find commonalities but importantly, also recognise differences. This has particular resonance for WNC who, whilst aiming to represent the interests of 51% of the population, also recognises the multiple and diverse identities of the women that make up that 51%. The Bill gives us the space to talk about advancing equality of opportunity, particularly on equal pay and to address inequalities of outcome, whilst dealing with uncertainties, like how to address men’s approaches to domesticity and how these fit with caring responsibilities. We see the Bill as the beginning of a process to create an approach that is both preventative and positive in eliminating discrimination and illegal practices and are pleased to see measures covering transparency, stronger procurement and positive action there. We also welcome the opportunity to discuss other aspects of the Bill like ensuring the continuing strength of the gender duty, strengthening the role of workplace Equality Representatives, the ability of tribunals to make representations on equal pay and allowing hypothetical comparators.”

Along with the Women's National Commssion, Fawcett Society and Women Like Us will also gave evidence. A full transcript can be accessed here