Bristol Women’s Voice recently asked all Council Candidates a series of questions on issues of specific interest to woman. These were the questions and my answers:

Question 1: In one sentence, what is your personal pitch to the women of Bristol?

I’ve pledged to work for the various communities in Windmill Hill ward – I will therefore work for the full representation and involvement of woman within the area, recognising their current under-representation in the political process and their potential for greater – and equal – involvement in leadership in civic society.

Question 2: Will you make a clear commitment that if elected you will do everything possible in office to ensure that services for women who have experienced sexual or domestic violence are of a high quality and are not subjected to cuts?

I believe that high quality services for women who have been the victim of sexual or domestic violence are vital and that these should be protected so that women in need can access help and support at the time they need it.
The council budget passed in February – which was opposed by the Liberal Democrat group – facilitated cuts in this area, both in this tax year and also in 2016-17. Liberal Democrats had been amongst those who had proposed alternatives to these particular cuts, although these were not accepted by the council. Against this background, I would seek to oppose any further financial cuts unless I could be completely satisfied there would be no impact on service provision.

It is worth noting that the cuts scheduled for 2016-17 could possibly be reversed in each of the next two budgets, although much will depend on the other proposals made. I’m sure this is an area on which Bristol Women’s Voice will make their views clear to members at that time.

Question 3: Harmful attitudes to women and girls give rise to everyday sexism, to discrimination and to many forms of violence in our city. If elected, will you work with the heads and governors of all the educational establishments in your ward to put prevention on the curriculum?

Yes. I’ve long been an advocate of the teaching of citizenship within schools and it strikes me that the teaching of appropriate behaviour by (primarily) men and boys towards women, and the impact of inappropriate attitudes and actions, should be a key part of this. If elected, I will work with my fellow ward Councillor and the schools in the ward to implement this, and in encouraging them to achieve The Bristol Ideal award.

Responses have been scored by The Fawcett Society and I’m pleased they have awarded my responses a score of 5/5.

You can see all the responses here.

Andrew

P.S. This post on Page 3 from my personal blog may also be of interest. Please note that it is tagged as Not Safe For Work, due to its subject matter.

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