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by Sarah James-Cyrus

The ballots have closed, the votes cast and the winner is...?

As a nation, we are in the aftermath of the General Election, anticipating the release of the Emergency Budget on June 22nd and ready to see what this radical government can do for us. Depending on your personal stance, the general election was either an anticlimax, or the beginning of a much needed shake-up of our country leaders. The result of a hung parliament clearly indicated that we are a deeply divided nation, unhappy with current policies and unable to give the majority to one party.

Apart from the numerous complaints about Eastenders being moved to allow televised coverage of this mammoth event, the public voiced condemnation on the actual voting process. I am in agreement. Is it not strangely ironic that the underdog became the most pivotal person, when it came to the ultimate decision of which party was going to resume power?
In other circumstances, another ballot would have been the best solution. A hung jury results in a re-trial, a draw in a football match results to a penalty shootout. In this situation, the 30million votes were over-shadowed and Nick Clegg’s opinion was the decisive factor.

We have no written constitution and our autonomous practice has been described as “a shining example of the democratic process” by world leaders such as Mohmoud Ahmadinesad. However, there is clearly a flaw in this first-past-the-post system, when an ‘electoral accident’ results in the trailing party having a third of its representatives in Parliament. We are continuously reminded of the importance of our vote, I think it would be a mistake by any government to shatter the illusion of ‘people power,’ (even Simon Cowell would not do that!)

I must admit I am not an avid follower of the UK political scene, but like the World Cup, it was difficult not to be aware of it. Twitter, Facebook, newspapers, live blogs and You Tube, were all populated with live links, updates and opinions. However, I think the coverage of the televised debates captivated most of the population. Modelled on the American presidential elections, it humanised the politicians, modernised the process and gave us the opportunity to scrutinise their propositions. By making them vulnerable and thrustingthem into an arena with no scripts or prompts, it changed public perception and for the first time gave Nick Clegg the recognition he craved.

Like most of the population I await the changes of the ‘Liberal Conservatives.’ Only time will tell as to whether this “cross between a bulldog and a Chihuahua” will act in the nation’s interest. They enter a remorseless job, and will have to tackle and provide solutions to today’s economic crisis, the threat of terrorism, rise of crime, instability of the education, medical and policing systems..and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Yes, change is scary and the cuts will hit us all. However, the country have an estimated deficit of £167 billion and with such a massive deficit, it might be in the country’s interest to allow two people to tackle it!

31 year-old Sarah James-Cyrus lives in South London and currently works as a Communications Officer within the MET. Sarah is also a freelance writer for Teen Caribbean Online, Kush Magazine and the South London Press. She has just finished her first novel ‘Dear Diary-Trapped in a Stereotyped World’, which she hopes to see published in the near future.

 

 

Women of colour in politics

May 6 2010 has been hailed as the most important election of recent times and it seems your vote has never been more important. In the run up to the election Precious invites women of colour involved in modern British local and national politics to speak to our readers about why politics matters to them. This week we speak to Shazia Awan who is standing as Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Leigh...

 

What sparked your interest in politics? What inspired you?

I have always had an interest in politics and like many people was never sure how to get really involved at a grass roots level. I was lucky enough to be selected from hundreds of people to be on a national mentoring scheme run by Operation Black Vote a few years ago. We went onto win a Channel 4/ Hansard political award. I went onto become the first Asian woman to address a Welsh Conservative party conference and with the support and encouragement of Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan MP, I went before the Parliamentary Assessment board and am now standing as a Parliamentary candidate in the upcoming general election.

Tell us about the area you hope to represent. What are the most striking challenges?

It was an honour to be selected by my Conservative Association in Leigh to represent them. My top three priorities in Leigh are:

To tackle unemployment in the area and look at how we can help make Leigh a better place for new businesses to want to set up and to help kick start the economy,
Get better transport links in and around Leigh particularly important that we get rail links into the area,
Help hard working local families and help people get the incentive to go out and try and get employment.

Do you think that being a Muslim woman in politics has led to any additional challenges for you?

I am very proud to be a British Muslim woman standing for election and representing the Conservative Party. If elected I will be representing everyone, people from all walks of life. Not just Muslims

How do you balance your responsibilities with your family and personal life?

I have become very good at time management! I have been involved in the Conservative Party for a number of years. I am very passionate about my work in both business and politics and am very lucky to have close family and friends who are supportive of both demanding careers.

What do you think are factors that hinder women’s political participation in politics?

I think we have some superb women involved in British politics who, just like other working women across the country, juggle busy family lives with careers. .

What progress, if any, do you think has been made in women’s agenda, particularly in relation to women’s participation in politics?

What many people forget is that the Conservative Party gave Great Britain the first ever female Prime Minister. I was fortunate enough to meet Lady Thatcher recently and it really was an honour- she is a real inspiration- the epitome of a strong, dedicated and passionate woman not afraid to stand by her beliefs. The Conservative Party have already announced a number of policies relating directly to women including measures to tackle the gender pay gap, and the extension of the right to request flexible working to all parents with children under the age of 18.

Has networking with other women played an important role in your experience in politics? How about wider networking groups?

Yes absolutely. From the day I joined the Conservative Party I realised I was in a very privileged position to be surrounded by so many hard working, ambitious and driven women. I am very lucky to have accomplished women such as Cheryl Gillan MP and Baroness Warsi as role models.

In summer 2010 I will be working with the Conservative Women's Forum, C-WISE. This has been set-up to give professional and entrepreneurial women in businesses an opportunity to engage with issues that impact their business lives. C-WISE members will have direct contact with the front bench team with responsibility for Business and Treasury

What do you think about integrating new technologies in politics? What are the communication tools you use to reach out to your potential voters?

This is a historic election as it will be the first time in the UK that new technologies have been used to such an extent as an effective campaigning too. Everything from video blogs, webiste, Twitter pages to Facebook accounts. My background is public relations and I have been using press releases to help communicate to my voters and direct mail. I also have a Facebook group and a website www.shaziaawan.co.uk I think it’s essential that I am accessible to potential voters that may have questions.

What advice would you give to young women who want to get involved in politics?

Politics can be a hugely rewarding career. It is time consuming but I find it very rewarding. I would suggest that anyone interested in politics joins their local political association and work their way up through the grassroots. It’s a great way to learn.

Away from politics what are your passions?

Politics and business are a very big part of my life. Social action projects are something which I am really passionate about. Last year I spent some time in Bosnia helping to build a house for a refugee family and renovating a school classroom and helping turn it into an IT suite. I am hoping to go back again this year and I am currently working towards setting up a charity.

Finally, why should people vote Conservative on May 6?

On 6th May, we need to make an important decision on our future and despite all the current media speculation there are only two real choices. Five more years of Gordon Brown and this tired failing Labour Government or a change for the better under David Cameron.

I’m proud to come from a former mining community and the traditions that entails. I’m proud to be standing as the Conservative Candidate for Leigh and I’d be honoured to be the MP for Leigh. For despite all the damage that Labour has done in the past 13 years, I believe there is hope. The Conservative Party is the only party committed to increasing spending on the NHS every year. We would ensure money in the NHS is spent on real Doctors not "Spin Doctors". We’d cut waste and bureaucracy not front line services.

Our plans to improve Sure Start with 4200 extra health visitors, extend flexible working, improve parental leave and open new schools will help make Britain the most family friendly country in Europe.
We will get Britain working by boosting enterprise and help people get off welfare and into work. There are generations of the same family who have not worked in years, this needs to change.
On 6th May we have a choice that will impact on generations to come. Its time for change in Leigh, which only I and a Conservative Government would deliver

Have your say on this article: send us a tweet @preciousonline or email election10@preciousonline.co.uk

 

Sanchia Alasia is standing as a Labour councillor in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

What sparked your interest in politics? What inspired you?

I have been interested in politics since I was at college and did a module as part of my A-Level course, which I found really exciting. I decided to go on and study a politics degree at university, but found the course boring and so did not really get actively engaged at this point.
A few years, later I decided I would do a masters in politics and a fellow student activist Pav Akhtar encouraged me to get involved with the National Union of students. I joined the Labour Party soon after and also participated in Operation Black Votes, MP shadow scheme, which gave me a real insight into the roles of MPs on a daily basis. I worked with Labour MP Sadiq Khan and had Diane Abbot allocated to me as mentor through the Labour Party’s winning women shadow scheme. I got real encouragement from them as well as my local MP at the time, Lyn Brown, to get more involved in political life by standing either as an MP or local councillor.

Tell us about the area you hope to represent. What are the most striking challenges?

I am standing in Alibon ward in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for the position of local councillor. This is a very challenging ward to represent, as it currently is represented by two BNP councillors. The presence of BNP councillors in the borough, has led to a rise in racial incidents. However the mood is changing and the BNP may not now have the same support they did in 2006. This gives me and the other Labour candidates an opportunity to stand up for the genuine concerns of people, living within the area, if we are fortunate enough to be elected, which include anti-social behaviour, road resurfacing and facilities for the youth.

Do you think that being a woman in politics has led to any additional challenges for you?

Not particularly. The Labour party is particularly good as it encouraged all wards (which have to select three councillors) to ensure that at least one was a woman.

How do you balance your responsibilities with your family and personal life?

It is difficult at times especially now with the upcoming election, where they are several activities happening every day. I will have no life from now until May 7th! The majority of the meetings, canvassing and leaflet drops I do are done in the evenings or weekends and so your family does have to be understanding, in the sense that you will not always be around to cook Sunday dinner or engage in certain activities. You do have to prioritise the events and meetings that will be the most meaningful.

What do you think are factors that hinder women’s political participation in politics?

Not seeing enough role models for one and how female politicians are judged on their looks, clothing etc. But that could happen to you as a woman in any career you follow. It is important that women are represented in politics. Balancing home and family life can be difficult especially for single mothers as many meetings take place in the evenings; however there is a lot of support from fellow Labour Party members and a childcare allowance is paid.

What progress, if any, do you think has been made in women’s agenda, particularly in relation to women’s participation in politics?

The Labour Party specifically put in measures to ensure that more women had the chance to be elected as MPs. They have all women shortlists for some seats, which mean that only women can apply for that seat. This has resulted in a dramatic change in the make up of the House of Commons. Because of the increases in female MPs since 1997 and the successful influences they have had, many family friendly policies and increases in flexible working and maternity provision that affect the workplace have been introduced. These changes bring benefits to both men and women.

Has networking with other women played an important role in your experience in politics? How about wider networking groups?

Certainly. The Labour party has a networking group called 'Winning Women'. It’s about women who have been successful in politics, mentoring aspiring women who wish to enter politics. They hold various events and training sessions throughout the year. The Labour party also has a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic group which also hosts various networking events for its members. It’s also very important to be very well networked within the local community, so I am a member of the local tenants residents association.

What do you think about integrating new technologies in politics? What are the communication tools you use to reach out to your potential voters?

Social networking has really taken off in these elections like never before. It gives you greater opportunities and more access to people, but also leaves a footprint of everything you do and say and so one needs to be mindful of the content they decide to put on these sites. None the less, social networking sites are great for reaching a wide range of people and keeping them up to date with your political activities. I use Twitter, Facebook and MySpace currently.

What advice would you give to young women who want to get involved in politics?

Find a mentor and join a political party that will support you in your aims. We need women of all ages and backgrounds to get involved, so that the full spectrum of the community can be represented. Don’t let the fact that you are young put you off as we need young people who can reach out to the youth and be a role model for other upcoming women.

Away from politics what are your passions?

I am involved in various community and voluntary projects. I am currently an independent custody visitor in the London Borough of Newham and sit on the Newham Independent Advisory Group which advises the local police. I am also an independent advisory network member to the British Transport Police and am a trustee of Birkbeck College students union.

Finally, why should people vote Labour on May 6?

Because Labour will rebuild the economy to secure the recovery and invest in future growth and jobs. The devastating cuts proposed by the Tories will lead to a mountain of job losses. Labour promise to renew our society to further strengthen the communities that bind our country together. And they will restore trust in politics with greater transparency and accountability in a system battered by the expenses scandal.

Have your say on this article: send us a tweet @preciousonline or email election10@preciousonline.co.uk

 

 

Calling all women - Join your public boards

 

Only one in eight people have served on a public body, according to the most recent IPSOS MORI research commissioned by the Government Equalities Office and the Cabinet Office, and of these, the majority are men from white backgrounds.

The research also showed that women are less likely to consider applying for a public appointment than men; disabled people are less likely to feel that the application process is open and fair; and that while those from BAME backgrounds are more likely to be interested
in applying in the future, they are less likely to consider putting themselves forward.

Key findings from the research found:

Women are less likely than men to consider applying for public appointments,
Those from BAME backgrounds are less likely to know somebody who has been on a committee or board of a public body,
Those from BAME backgrounds are more likely to claim knowledge about public appointments,
Those from BAME backgrounds are more likely to be interested in applying in the future,
89% of the public say they have never considered applying for a national public appointment ,

Public bodies make decisions that affect our day to day lives, but too few women, people from ethnic minorities and disabled people sit on boards like the Arts Council, the governing bodies of local hospitals and the Competition Commission. A campaign led by the Government Equalities Office and the Cabinet Office aims to encourage a more diverse group of people to apply for public appointments so our public bodies better reflect the communities they serve.

Maria Eagle MP, Deputy Minister for Women and Equality, said:“We are a diverse nation and our public bodies should reflect that. It’s only by drawing on the talent and experience of people from all backgrounds that we’ll have public boards that make the best decisions.

For more information on Public Appointments, please visit: www.direct.gov.uk/publicappointments

 

Hilary Carty: Driving cultural and creative change

by Jennifer G. Robinson

“A passion to make a difference; a drive which has an impact; to leave a legacy.” These are some of the things which drive the powerhouse which is Hilary Carty.

When we first speak – by phone, Hilary is on the move. Her mobile picks up outside noise as she strides to her office. Her day had already showed signs of
not running to plan, but with such a high-profile, demanding role, she shows unswerving calm in meeting unexpected permutations in her day. So how does she do it? “I have a whole-life diary - I look at life as a whole. I have to have a positive mindset to get through challenges and I’m clear about my priorities” she answers.

As one of the most influential people in Arts Council England, Hilary is now Director of the Cultural Leadership Programme(CLP) which was launched in 2006. This programme seeks to provide skills and support networks for potential creative leaders. The £12million investment, partly facilitated by the Arts Council, aims to provide development avenues for burgeoning leaders as they develop in their careers.

The south-London born Hilary is of Jamaican parentage. In reminiscence she says that she had a characteristic Caribbean/British upbringing where parents expected their children to be high achievers in the ‘mother country’. These parents wanted their children to do ‘proper subjects’ where they would become the doctors, lawyers and the professors parents dreamed of. Her choice of career path must have seemed at odds with expectations to say the least? Answering Hilary clarified, “They just expected me to do well.”

Hilary was introduced to the arts through her local school at a time when a broader experience of education was more readily available for pupils; when field-trips didn’t come with a mountain of paperwork detailing risk-assessments just for moving one foot in front of another! Through her school she went to the Old Vic and Sadler’s Wells where she became enthralled by dance bringing her closer to the arts and theatre. She developed this over the years to become, amongst other things, a choreographer during the '80’s and an influential policy-maker from the '90’s.

Hinting at a subject close to her heart Hilary explained that she really believed in education as a way to expose children to as many opportunities as possible. This helps them to make better choices about their future careers which influence their quality of life. “Children now don’t have as many opportunities to engage beyond the curriculum, schools back then appeared to have more freedom. Children need to be exposed to the widest environment possible. Exposure is really key to enable real choices.”

Us folk in London are spoilt for choice when it comes to almost everything (sometimes even if you don’t have the money to enjoy it all; think free museums galleries, exhibitions, shows…). The variety of languages spoken, the plethora of differing foods and abundant nationalities gives this city a unique energy. And so it is with cultural arts. It would be hard to imagine there could be any difficulty with this in the arts. Hilary explains that the landscape changes once artists venture from the cities and attempt to diversify themselves in more rural areas. The opportunities for artist exposure lessen in these circumstances and have adverse effects when companies want to tour and travel to show work outside of metropolitan areas.

Hilary explains the situation thus; “There is a critical mass around urban areas with limited avenues to expose urban work and this is very challenging now especially since funding is diminishing”. Hilary advises a fighting spirit, encouraging artists to “be entrepreneurial and try to maximise on opportunities”.

Hilary has two sons of 8 and 10 years who are typically knowledgeable about the Internet and she tries, successfully by the sound of it, to engage them in the arts in many of its forms, often going for visits beyond the virtual world of the web; her children often asking, Hilary exclaims, when their next visit to the theatre will be! In opening up about her relationship with her sons she reveals the inevitable homework tasks or spelling tests her own children have to contend with. Hilary explains that she readily engages in these tasks, seeing this type of family life is a welcomed intrusion. “Playing with the kids helps to bring different perspectives on things” she adds.

What is Hilary’s outlook for the future of the Cultural Leadership Programme? “…that we’re going in the right direction in providing wider access for world class leaders for the 21st Century.” She hopes that the last 3 years will be acknowledged by the “…powers that be…” and that their commitment can be sustained.

Sometimes it can be weary seeing high-profile women’s halos perfectly poised, seemingly without anything out of ‘perfect’ place. It is refreshing to listen then to Hilary explain how she does take time out just for herself. “I walk, early mornings. I tried to meditate but there’s not enough motion for me. The walking is a combination of motion and soothing my mind, I can let my mind wander.”

We told you, Hilary Carty is a woman who’s used to moving with purpose.

The Creative Leadership Progranmme (CLP) was the sponsor of the Creative Business of the Year at the 2009 Precious Awards. To find out more about the opportunities at the CLP please visit: www.culturalleadership.org.uk

 

Why I'm Supporting Obama By Joi C Ridley

Recently someone approached me saying, "I know who you're going to vote for." Given that I wasn't wearing any campaign buttons or paraphernalia, I was curious to see how he drew his conclusion.

While it seems that many voters can be generalized based on specific characteristics, Black women are being pulled in two directions: we can elect the first woman president or we can put a Black man into the White House. Either way, it's (unpredictable) history.

My support for Barack Obama began long before many reporters knew how to spell his name. As an Illinois resident, I'd caught the Obama buzz during his run for U.S. Senate. So, upon hearing the Senator's moving speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, I was proud to introduce the country to MY senator. It was then that I realized that the nation had just been introduced to a very special leader. Since then of course, the entire nation - all races, ages, classes, shapes, and sizes - has grown to know and respect Obama because of his work and his unique message of hope.

My goal is not to alienate anyone, no matter what gender or race. The nation's population is in no way monolithic, and to seek out a politician based solely on any one physical characteristic would be unfair. I am interested in educating not only America's Black women, but also everyone who is interested in understanding why Barack Obama is the United States best chance for a strong and prosperous future. I have my own reasons for supporting Obama: He reminds me more of myself than any of the other candidates do.

I have my own reasons for supporting Obama: He reminds me more of myself than any of the other candidates do.

For starters, he has a diverse ethnic background and is not afraid to share it with the world. Same here.
Obama speaks strongly and stands up for himself. That definitely coincides with me. Clinton has emphasized her extensive leadership "experience" as compared to Obama. I disagree: I think Obama's experience working his way up through legislative channels, as many middle-class students pull their way through the academic and professional ranks, is far more important than standing at someone's side as s/he does the same thing.

After law school, Obama went to work on Chicago's south side as a community organizer. Seems as if I'm looking into a crystal ball. It doesn't hurt that I grew up next to his Illinois state Senate district and that we currently attend the same church. And recently I heard him say that the latest Jay-Z and Common albums are in his iPod.

There is an age barrier between me and the candidates. Just because Clinton is a woman does not mean she mirrors the woman that I am. And despite her gender, she is 60; and I'm not sure she holds a solid interest in the life and times of this mid-20-something. Not surprisingly, up to 80 percent of younger Black voters have backed Obama, who is 46.

So how do others feel about Obama? As we head into Super Tuesday, Obama enjoys an average 12-point opinion-poll advantage. Despite his last win, Obama's defeats in New Hampshire and Nevada reignited fears that he lacks broad support. Many voters may not make up their minds until they walk into the voting booth.

To really understand the candidates, their views, and their vision for this country, it is critically important to get beyond the sound bites and video blurbs that the mainstream media is force-feeding us. Instead of resting on their laurels, I encourage voters to get out and find the candidate that they believe has greater strengths and characteristics, not just a certain skin color or gender. The reasons listed above are my reasons for supporting Obama, but they are not universal standards that apply to all Black women. Explore specific issues, like health care, Iraq, and education, to find who holds a stance similar to yours. Voters tend to know more about the Clintons than they do about Obama, because of Bill Clinton's eight years as president, but information on Obama is available.

One of the main reasons I chose to support Obama is that I believe he has a better chance at unifying our nation in a more meaningful way than any of the other candidates from either party. I am in no way a political guru. But what I lack in expertise, I make up for in commitment. I care deeply about the future of this nation, and for everyone in it, so I’ll continue to campaign for the candidate that I think could lead us to where we need to be.

Right now, Black women stand at an intersection of race, class, and gender, an experience that has never before been presented. While most other voting demographics are spoken for, our group has a unique, important position that cannot be accurately predicted based on any one characteristic of our diverse group - because there are few bright-line generalizations that apply to us all. There will be naysayers from either of the "betrayed" groups. But each Black woman is capable of casting her own vote, based on what is important to her. I'm thrilled to have such a choice.

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