Newark Women’s Branch: “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves”

“Throughout Labour’s history, even in its earliest years, women were present in the room, but they were not always recorded or remembered.” Women in the Room: Labour’s Forgotten History by Nan Sloane (2018).

Women can often feel side-lined and disinclined when it comes to political activism, attending meetings, putting themselves forward for office and campaigning. Not with Newark Women’s Branch. We aim to include every woman who wants to participate in local party politics, Labour Party policy and activity, to whatever extent she fancies.

We seek to promote and support women who wish to stand as candidates for election both locally and nationally.

We undertake issue-raising events and fundraising projects. For example, last year, we ran an event to support the campaign for free school meals during lockdown. A few weeks later, we organised an event outside Newark Town Hall, where we highlighted femicide and raised funds to show our support of Newark Women’s Refuge.

We seek to discuss, develop, and campaign for policies that identify what women want, need and best suit their interests and requirements.

We plan to invite guest speakers to our meetings – any suggestions are welcome.

We are undertaking a Herstory Project – a written narrative of the women of Newark (and surrounding area), and their historical significance. Flowing from this, will be a guided walk around Newark, noting the buildings, landmarks and areas of significance, associated with these women. We hope to arrange this walk to coincide with International Women’s Day 8^th March 2022.

We run a book club, discussing literature written by women and focusing on women’s stories and interests.

We have a quiz at the end of each meeting with a prize for the winner (usually a sweet treat).

We send two delegates to the annual National Women’s Conference in June, and we prepare motions to present at this conference.

We welcome all women in a spirit of inclusion, diversity, Sisterhood and FUN.