Gender discrimination and inequality: EDI Sub Group Call-Out

BASW’S Equality, Diversity & Inclusion group is setting up a sub-group focused on gender discrimination and inequality and is looking for members to be part of the group.

This will be a UK wide inclusive and intersectional group, as well as a safe space, open to all who are interested in championing those who are oppressed by gender discrimination and inequality.

The aim of the group is to collectively work toward influencing policy and practice to improve both the treatment of girls, women and non-binary individuals that social workers support, as well as social workers themselves who, whilst working in a female-majority profession, continue to face a glass ceiling, unequal pay and discrimination.  The group also aims to support men, boys and non-binary individuals to address the stigma around mental health and challenging societal expectations.

This group recognises and respects the validity of all gender identities, including trans and non-binary individuals as articulated in the BASW position statement on Social Work with Transgender People.  

The group aims to address issues including (but not limited to):  

  • ALL men, women, boys and girls are welcome
  • VAWG (violence against women and girls)  
  • Promote positive ways of relating in a toxic masculine environment
  • Issues facing women and girls from diverse backgrounds (Black and minoritised, d/Deaf and disabled, LGBTQIA+, multiple disadvantage and other marginalised groups)  
  • The gender pay gap in social work  
  • Increasingly difficult working conditions for women in social work following the pandemic  
  • Gender bias in social work practice, and how this impacts decision making  
  • Lack of representation of issues facing girls and women at a policy level (i.e – disproportionate sexual harassment, grooming, youth-produced sexual imagery)  
  • How living in a culture of misogyny threatens the safety, education and social mobility for all girls and women regardless of their background  

If you are interested in being involved and/or would like to join us at our first meeting, Monday 12th December 2022 at 4.30pm please contact edi@basw.co.uk