SPECIAL OCTOBER EDITION PUBLIC NEWSLETTER BY
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY
OCTOBER 2020 CONTENTS 1. ACCESSIBILITY PANEL
2. WHAT IS A STUDENT SOCIETY? — WHAT WE DO
3. WHAT WE DO — INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST LAW
4. WHAT WE DO — INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST LAW CONT.
5. WHAT WE DO — WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED IN 2020
6. WHAT WE DO — WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED IN 2020 CONT.
7. WHAT WE DO — WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED IN 2020 CONT. — WHY DO WE
NEED FEMINIST LAW? FREE EBOOKLET — WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2020-2021 —
MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS FOR OUR MEMBERS
8. WHAT WE DO — WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2020-2021 — HONOUR CRIME AND LEGAL
PRACTICE ONLINE PANEL WITH JASVINDER SANGHERA AND PAYZEE MAHMOD —
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW
9. WHAT WE DO — WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2020-2021 — 2021 FEMINIST LAW
LECTURE PROGRAMME — MERCHANDISE IS ON ITS WAY!!!
10. FEMINIST LAW NEWS — THE RIGHT TO KNOW: EQUAL PAY BILL — LAW COMMISSION:
HATE CRIME CONSULTATION
11. FEMINIST LAW NEWS CONT. — END CHILD MARRIAGE: MARRIAGE AND CIVIL
PARTNERSHIP (MINIMUM AGE) (NO.2) BILL 2019-21
12. FEMINIST LAW NEWS CONT. — RAPE CASE PROSECUTORS MUST DISREGARD SEXT
MESSAGES — OUR STREETS NOW: END PUBLIC SEXUAL HARASSMENT — RUTH BADER
GINSBERG'S PASSING
13. BLACK HISTORY MONTH — THE HISTORY OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN THE UK — LINDA
BELLOS — STELLA JANE THOMAS
14. BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONT. — RT HON PATRICIA SCOTLAND QC — DAME LINDA
DOBBS — GABRIELLE TURNQUEST
15. BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONT. — FUNKE ABIMBOLA MBE — I. STEPHANIE BOYCE
16. MEET YOUR COMMITTEE — YOUR KEY COMMITTEE
17. MEET YOUR COMMITTEE — YOUR WIDER COMMITTEE
18. BECOME A MEMBER — JOIN THE COMMITTEE — AVAILABLE COMMITTEE POSITIONS ACCESSIBILITY PANEL
At University of Westminster Feminist Law Society we endeavour to make feminist law resources as accessible as possible.
This means that we try to use a variety of formats such as video, audio as well as text and we try to ensure that the external websites and resources that we hyperlink to are of a good academic standard without being behind paywalls.
None of the links are embedded into this PDF newsletter. We have used icons, displayed in the 'Accessibility Panel' below, to indicate the type of resource that you are being taken to via an external source using hyperlinks attached to the icons.
Just clicking the icon, next to the details of an item, throughout the newsletter, will take you to the correlating online resource.
CLICK THE ICONS THROUGHOUT THE NEWSLETTER TO BE TAKEN TO AN EXTERNAL WEBSITE
WEB LINK AUDIO CASE LAW VIDEO
TEXT/ BILL POLICY RESEARCH CONSULTATION LEGISLLATION
WE HAVE CREATED THIS NEWSLETTER IN THE STYLE OF THE ACCESSIBLE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FORMAT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY CREATED BY Free ebooklet by Feminist Law Society: FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY 'Why Do We Need Feminist Law?'
1 WHAT IS A STUDENT SOCIETY?
YOU DON'T University Societies are a diverse HAVE TO collection of groups, which range from BE A STUDENT 'hobbies', to legal / political groups. TO JOIN A STUDENT Societies are overseen by the Students SOCIETY Union and managed by students themselves through a committee.
The Key positions on the committee generally include roles such as President, Vice President and Treasurer. The Key committee govern the direction of the Society and they are the core decision makers in the team. They manage the finances, as well as the rest of the committee. Other, non-key, roles can include those such as Secretary, Social Media Co-ordinator and Technology Manager, etc., and are decided based on the specific needs of the Society. Societies are a great way to meet people with similar interests. Each year, Societies hold elections to pick the next committee that will lead the group.
WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY
University of Westminster Feminist Law Society's constitutional aims are in line with those of the Feminist Law Society: To examine the law and legal profession through a feminist lens.
To educate ourselves and others on how to incorporate equal practice into study, research, legal work, and everyday life.
To provide others with the tools to recognise, address, and understand the realities of inequality.
To create and use resources that are inclusive of diverse learning styles and needs.
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2 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT.
INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST LAW
University of Westminster Feminist Law Society recognises the importance of intersectionality when applying a feminist lens to the law. 'Intersectional Feminism as a term, was first coined by American professor Kimberlé Crenshaw in the year 1989. It is the study of overlapping or intersecting social identities and related systems of oppression, domination, or discrimination. It means that women Sex experience oppression in varying configurations and in varying degrees Discrimination of intensity. Patterns of oppression are not just interrelated but are Act influenced by those interrelations.' 1975
#SayHerName Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics - Kimberlé Crenshaw Kimberlé Crenshaw - On Intersectionality - keynote - WOW 2016
The Future of Intersectionality and Disability Rights disability at Activism is Female WOW Festival 2017
Discrimination The 12 Most arising from Notorious disability: UK five examples Discrimination from case law Cases
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3 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT. INTERSECTIONAL FEMINIST LAW CONT.
Equality Act 2010
Section 4 age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; The protected race; religion or belief; sex; characteristics sexual orientation. Kimberle Williams Crenshaw: Structural & Political (1) A person (A) discriminates Intersectionality Section 14 against another (B) if, because of a combination of two relevant protected characteristics, A treats B less Combined favourably than A treats or Feminist Disability Studies discrimination: would treat a person who Emerging and Arrived dual does not share either of those characteristics characteristics.
'UK EQUALITY ACT IS NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE: IT'S TIME FOR THE LAW TO RECOGNISE MULTIPLE DISCRIMINATION'
Why I Am No Longer Talking To Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu White People About Race author, 'Gender equality can no longer be viewed from a single lens 'Reni Eddo-Lodge discusses the nor should it be devoid of the complexities and multiple facets importance of intersectionality, of characteristics that make it human. The revolution of civil how we move beyond a ‘white liberties for women means that old failed ideas being feminism’ which prioritises certain regurgitated by the UK government are redundant and women’s voices above others, ineffective. Women continue to be marginalised even within and why she’s calling for protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act because liberation rather than equality.' the law, as it currently stands, is not fit for purpose.'
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4 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT. WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED IN 2020
Our 2020 Feminist Law Lecture Programme began during the week of International Women's Day and award winning solicitor, Cris McCurley, kindly gave our inaugural lecture.
The programme included, 'Equity and Trusts Through A Feminist Law Lens' and 'Housing Law and Domestic Abuse Through A Feminist Law Lens'.
Due to lockdown, we made a higher than originally planned number of these lectures publicly available online.
We have retained some lectures for member only view.
Our publicly available lectures can be found on Feminist Law Society's website
Equity and Trusts Through A Feminist Law Lens Lecture by Dr Anna Cronolopolou
This lecture is only available through our member only viewing space
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5 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT.
WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED IN 2020 CONT.
FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY VIRTUAL BOOKSHELF
Since the University of Westminster Feminist Law Society was founded, we have been compiling a curated list of videos, podcasts and readings covering feminist topics within the areas of the law and justice system.
It is vitally important to make feminist law accessible because diversifying the field of law is crucial in making it reflective of the society it serves.
Domestic Abuse & Housing Law & Legal Practice Domestic Abuse Through A Through A Feminist Feminist Law Lens Law Lens Lecture by Lecture by Cris McCurley Anna Steiner of of Ben Hoare Bell LLP University of Westminster Legal Advice Clinic
Download the accompanying free PDF created especially for Anna's lecture by clicking the video link and scrolling to the bottom of the webpage
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6 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT.
WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY PRODUCED IN 2020 CONT.
Why Do We Need feminist Law? Free Ebooklet
Last year's President and Vice- President produced a free ebooklet covering 12 feminist law topics. This ebooklet is comprised of a variety of accessible academic formats and has an accompanying feminist law music playlist.
WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2020-2021 AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY
MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS FOR OUR MEMBERS
We produce a monthly newsletter exclusively for our members. This includes feminist law news items, campaigns and updates on our events and plans.
It is part of our constitutional aims to also educate ourselves on how to incorporate equal practice into study, research, legal work and everyday life, so we would love to hear from you if you think we should include a topic area or particular piece of research or case law, for example.
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7 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT.
WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2020-2021
HONOUR CRIME AND LEGAL PRACTICE ONLINE PANEL WITH JASVINDER SANGHERA AND PAYZEE MAHMOD
So called 'honour’ crime is a topic that doesn't get much airtime in mainstream news.
As many of our members and followers are law students, law lecturers and legal practitioners, we feel it is important to cover this vital topic in order to reach a number of future and present legal practitioners and educators to assist in informing their practice.
Due to the lack of awareness, in general, throughout society, we are making this online panel a public event, to reach beyond our membership group.
There are many things that we can do, as a society, to assist in recognising and intervening potential, so called, ‘honour’ crime.
Let’s start now. FRIDAY 4 DECEMBER 2020, 6:30 - 8PM
OUR MEMBERS EACH RECEIVE A FREE TICKET Purchase your tickets now Regular ticket £10 Special deal ticket £7
Special deal ticket includes one ticket and one year's membership to University of Westminster Feminist Law Society
Jasvinder Sanghera
Payzee Mahmod
Jasvinder Sanghera Payzee Mahmod
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8 WHAT WE DO AT UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY CONT.
WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR 2020-2021
2021 Feminist Law Lecture Programme These lectures look at our law school lecture topics and apply a feminist law lens.
Our confirmed lecturers and topics so far are:
Dr Harriet Samuels of University of Westminster: Public Law Through A Feminist Law Lens.
University of Westminster alumni, and Durham Law School lecturer, Kristiyan Stoyanov: EU Law Through A Feminist Law Lens.
Our 2021 Feminist Law Lecture Programme will be a combination of live events and prerecorded lectures especially for the programme.
The first lecture will be held during the week of International Women's Day 2021
University of Westminster Feminist Law Society Merchandise is on its way!!!! We are so excited to be working on our 'top secret' merchandise project. We know you will love it too!
We are hoping to have our shop ready soon.
We will update you as soon as we know when we will be launching.
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9 FEMINIST LAW NEWS #EqualityIsEpic 'STELLA CREASY MP INTRODUCES BILL TO GIVE WOMEN THE RIGHT TO KNOW'
'I beg to move, that leave be given to introduce a Bill to make provision for a right for employees to obtain information relating to the pay of a comparator; to reform remedies and time limits relating to equal pay; to provide a right to equal pay where a single source can rectify unequal pay; to amend the statutory statement of particulars to include equal pay; to provide for requirements on certain employers to publish information about the differences in pay between male and female employees and between employees of different ethnic origins; and for connected purposes.'
Equal Pay Bill [HL] 2019-21
#MakeMisogynyAHateCrime @stellacreasy
'I'd just like to Take part be free' - in the Consultation young women THE LAW COMMISSION IS speak out about sexual REVIEWING THE LAW IN harassment RELATION TO HATE CRIME. CONSULTATION DEADLINE 24 DEC 2020
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10 FEMINIST LAW NEWS cont.
#EndChildMarriage Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) (No.2) Bill 2019-21
'This is a documentary film Banaz chronicling an act of A Love Story overwhelming horror - the honour killing of Banaz Mahmod, a young British woman in suburban London in 2006, killed and "disappeared" by her own family, Regina v Amin with the agreement and help of a [2014] EWCA large section of the Kurdish community, because she tried to Criminal 1924 choose a life for herself'.
#SafeguardFuturesBanChildMarriage
'Payzee Mahmod was a normal teenager, idolising pop stars and pursuing her education. But her childhood was stolen from her when, at just 16 years old, her parents coerced her into marrying a much older man. Lacking the knowledge, power and language to protest the marriage, Payzee hoped another adult or professional in her life would intervene, help her and stop the marriage.'
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11 FEMINIST LAW NEWS Cont.
Woman stabbed at Enfield bus #OurStreetsNow 'Rape case prosecutors must stop 'after refusing man's #EndPSH disregard sext messages' sexual advances' #OurSchoolsNow
Like so many of us, these young women have had enough of public sexual harassment. However, these particularly remarkable young women are channelling their legitimate fear of ongoing public sexual harassment, and the very real threat of physical attacks for rejecting a perpetrator's sexual advances, into getting organised. They are even challenging educational policy and its omission to educate children about public sexual harassment. We are super impressed by how tenacious and effective these young feminist law activists are. We believe that they will succeed and we will endeavour to help their vital and fast growing campaign in any way that we can. We urge you to get involved in effecting a change in the law to make public sexual harrassment a criminal offence.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the United States 'Supreme Court’s Feminist Icon', has died
'The second woman appointed to the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg’s pointed and powerful dissenting opinions earned her late-life rock stardom.' 'ON THE BASIS OF SEX'
Sally M. Reed, 'Reed v. Reed upended a Appellant, century of American v. Cecil R. Reed, jurisprudence and the Administrator entirety of political thought etc. going back to the beginning 404 U.S. 71 of the Republic.' (1971)
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12 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month is the annual spotlight on black history which allows us to recognise the outstanding achievements black people have and continue to contribute to society. Although it originated in the United States, it was first recognised by the government in the United Kingdom Race Relations Act in 1987 and has been celebrated every year since. We honour Black 1976 History Month through a feminist law lens.
The history of Black History Month in the UK
Linda Bellos 'Black History Month was not my idea, but I was the politician and activist who authorised its first formal Feminism Has Been Hijacked appearance in the UK in All Equal All Different | Linda By White Middle Class Women early 1987.' Bellos | TEDxSurreyUniversity
Stella Jane Thomas was the first west African woman to be called to the bar in 1933. She graduated from Oxford University and went on to become the first female magistrate in Nigeria.
'Stella Thomas, 1st 'Stella Jane African Female Thomas Lawyer, 1st Nigerian Female Magistrate. was a woman of Nationalist, Freedom multiple firsts and Fighter, co-founder of an “activist” lawyer.' League of Coloured People'
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13 BLACK HISTORY MONTH Cont.
Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC
Introducing Patricia Scotland QC, Appointed Attorney General the first ever female in 2007 – the first women to Commonwealth Secretary-General hold the post since it was created in 1315
Patricia Janet Scotland was also the 'first black woman to be appointed a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 1991. At 35 she was also the youngest woman ever to be made a QC.'
'Britain’s first black female High Court judge ' Dame Linda Dobbs 'It is very important for people to see role models. What I am proud of is not so much the appointments, but for me, I do feel that I have made a difference to a lot of young pupils because I've always had an open door policy for young aspiring lawyers, law students, young lawyers. I mentor a lot of people still and, for me, it's all about unlocking potential.'
Spotlight on: Gabrielle Turnquest
'The youngest person 'The youngest person to be called in the history of the to the Bar in over 600 years, passing the exam at the age of English legal system to 18—almost a decade earlier than be admitted to the bar.' the average BPTC graduate.' Photograph: Neil Hall/The University of Law
@justice_forblacklives
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14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH Cont.
Funke Abimbola MBE 'Funke Abimbola MBE is a solicitor who has consistently used her voice to champion equality and diversity in the legal profession. She is the former UK General Counsel of Roche, the world's largest biotech company. First 100 Years: Funke Abimbola MBE Biography In June 2017, Funke was awarded an MBE for services to diversity in the legal profession and to young people.'
2021 will see The Law Society appoint our first black President, I. Stephanie Boyce. I. Stephanie Boyce 'was elected Deputy Vice-President of The Law Society in 2019, meaning she will become the first black President of The Law Society when she takes up the post in 2021.'
I. Stephanie Boyce is interviewed for Talking Law by Sally Penni, Barrister at Law, I. Stephanie Boyce: First 100 Years Biography Kenworthys Chambers and Founder of Women in the Law UK
#100greatblackbritons2020
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15 MEET YOUR COMMITTEE Your Key Committee:
PRESIDENT Maria is the co-founder of University of Westminster Feminist Law Society and is serving as president for a second year. She is studying the LLM Legal Practice MARIA Course to become a family law solicitor.
Maria creates accessible feminist law, educational resources. She incorporated Feminist Law Society Ltd (soon to be C.I.C.) to continue producing accessible feminist law resources, and more, beyond law school.
Maria's feminist law heroine is the social justice warrior, and Westminster Law School alumnae, Harriet Wistrich.
‘The way that Harriet holds the state to account for violence against women and girls by utilising the arsenal of collective, past and present, feminist research, that is further developed through her vital Centre for Women's Justice, coupled with her punk rock approach to strategic litigation, armed with a feminist lens held up over black letter law, and leaving landmark feminist law precedents in her path, is the legal practice blueprint that all feminist lawyers should try to emulate. I certainly hope to one day.'
VICE - PRESIDENT Aleena is a third-year LLB student. To her, feminism is about having a choice. Feminist law is important, as it casts a light on the inequalities that women have ALEENA faced in the past, and face even today.
Aleena’s personal feminist heroine would be her aunt; an individual who has had a great influence in shaping who she is today, providing support if and when needed.
Her feminist law heroine would be Asma Jahangir, a leading human rights lawyer who put her all into advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable in Pakistan. Be it, women, children, the poor or religious minorities.
TREASURER Claire is in the final year of her LLB with French Law degree.
CLAIRE Claire had never heard of feminist law before coming across the society. In her second year, when asked to name a famous woman in law, all she could come up with was Elle Woods. She did not realise how many women fought and are still fighting every day for women’s rights. She believes feminist law is necessary to highlight these women's achievements and to remind us not to take our rights for granted.
Her personal feminist law heroine is Baroness Hale, the first woman to ever be appointed as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Harriet Wistrich Asma Jahangir Baroness Hale
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16 MEET YOUR COMMITTEE Your Wider Committee:
Alisha is a first year LLB student. For most of her life, Alisha has been a feminist SECRETARY and has believed in feminist ideals. When Alisha found out about University of ALISHA Westminster Feminist Law Society, she knew she had to join!
Alisha believes that equal rights for all is so important and that feminism upholds that same value. Even though people have come so far in trying to reach equality throughout the years, there is still a long way to go and feminist law is a step in the right direction to help this movement progress.
Alisha's personal feminist law heroine has to be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Her strength and determination was extremely inspirational, especially in a time when women face a lot of adversity. She was an integral part in providing women the rights they deserve.
SOCIAL MEDIA Amara is studying the Integrated Master's in Law (M-Law). For Amara, feminist law is CO-ORDINATOR integral because it promotes gender equality, it aims to eradicate legal sexism and it AMARA provides women to have a say in places where decisions are being made. This is important to Amara because the law affects almost, if not every aspect of everyone’s day-to-day life, hence why it is that women shouldn’t be the exception or excluded from decision-making.
Amara's feminist law heroine is civil and women’s rights activist, Mary Church Terrell because she understood the intersectionality of race and gender discrimination.
TECHNOLOGY Amarsanaa is a final year law student on the LLB Honours course. MANAGER AMARSANAA He was introduced to the University of Westminster Feminist Law Society to explore the legal field of feminist jurisprudence in more depth and decided to contribute to its deliverance to our fellow students.
Amarsanaa's personal feminist law heroine is Ann Catherine Scales as it takes unparalleled courage and perseverance to not only challenge long standing norms but also to institute a fair and just alternative, which to this day is a consistently evolving and growing legal field.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Mary Church Terrell Anne C. Scales
Committee profile JOIN drawings by 99 Flamingos @uowfemlawsoc
17 BECOME A MEMBER OF UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY Price List:
Westminster Student Membership: £4 Westminster Student Membership with Donation: £10 JOIN Associate Membership (non-student): £5 Associate Membership (non-student) with Donation: £10
JOIN THE COMMITTEE OF UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY
AVAILABLE COMMITTEE POSITIONS FOR UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER FEMINIST LAW SOCIETY
Newsletter Events Researcher Editor Manager
Email Alisha to find out more - [email protected]
Only University of Westminster students can become committee members
We are always developing our team so, if you feel that you would like to bring a particular skill set to create your own committee position at University of Westminster Feminist Law Society, we would love to hear from you.
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