A Voluntary Sector Studies Network day event
Tuesday 8th November 2022 | 10am – 3pm | Hosted on Zoom and recorded | Free
The women’s voluntary sector is operating in a context of both increased difficulty and opportunity. Research points to the gendered impact of significant events such as austerity and Covid-19 (Fawcett Society, 2012; Women’s Budget Group, 2019; Women’s Aid 2020; IMKAAN, 2020; Sisters of Frida, 2012) and the impact on women’s organisations (Women’s Resource Centre, 2020; IMKAAN, 2016).
Increased attention, awareness, and media coverage of issues like sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, pay gaps, women in leadership, and trustee representation have brought issues of gender inequality to the fore in the sector. A new tranche of research and media exposés have revealed gender inequalities, discrimination, and assault against women within charities (Marriage 2018; Beaton et al., 2021; Dale and Breeze, 2022). Other work has shown how girls who volunteer are coerced and stereotyped in their recruitment and participation (Taylor-Collins, 2019; Lau, 2022). How gender intersects with other often discriminated-against identities is also growing in focus within the sector (Bassel and Emejulu, 2017). Yet women’s organisations within the VCS have historically not received recognition for their important work.
We would like to invite people to contribute to a day conference focused on presenting new research on women and girls, feminism, and the voluntary sector. It is anticipated contributions will be short presentations, but we’d also be interested in contributions such as short films or other media, discussions, or panels,
The event will be held online on Zoom, on Tuesday 8th November 2022. It will be free to attend. Registration details will be circulated nearer the time.
If you would like to contribute, please send an email containing a short overview (approx. 150 words) of your work and a short bio to Jon Dean j.dean@shu.ac.uk by Friday 23rd September.
Jon Dean, Lorna Dowrick, Chris Damm
Sheffield Hallam University