A ten-point manifesto is being distributed by NIACE to help ensure every woman has the right to learn.
The statement of policies is being given out at the three main party conferences, starting with the Liberal Democrat Party Conference which was held in Birmingham yesterday.
The manifesto is currently in a draft format, and will be published as a final version called ‘Every Woman’s Right to learn’ on International Women’s Day 2012.
Carol Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive of NIACE, said: “There is a danger that some of the gains made in recent years will be lost.
“This manifesto, born out of a desire to say ‘we have come so far, let’s not lose it all now’, is open for discussion.”
The idea for the manifesto began at International Women’s Day 2011, held on March 8.
The current ten-point manifesto states that there should be:
1. Lead a debate on women and learning.
2. Inspire women to widen their horizons and achieve their dreams.
3. Involve more and different women in learning.
4. Make sure that adult learning promotes gender equality.
5. Make sure that learning is affordable and accessible to all women.
6. Make sure that work-related learning expands opportunities for women.
7. Make sure that Information, Advice and Guidance opens up the full range of possibilities for women.
8. Train all members of the workforce to understand and advance gender equality.
9. Demand equal participation in adult learning decision-making.
10. Campaign for gender equality across all adult learning providers and partners.
Mrs Taylor added: “We want women from all over the UK, and across the world, to help us to shape this manifesto into something that we can launch on International Women’s day 2012.
“We want a manifesto that will start a process so that, whoever they are and wherever they live, every woman will have the opportunity to transform their lives through learning.”
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