In March, the Women’s Resource Centre published a report about funding for women’s charities that showed one in five women’s organisations closed between 2004 and 2007. Yet the needs of society’s vulnerable women are growing. One in four UK women experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, and two women are killed every week by current or former partners. In the last decade the number of women in prison has nearly doubled, from 2,305 in 1996 to 4,463 in 2006. In 2006 only 20% of MPs, 10% of high court judges and 10% of executive directors of FTSE 100 companies (0.4% from black minority ethnic/BME groups) were women. Women in full-time employment earned 17.2% less than men in 2006; for part-time workers the gap was 35.6%.
In March, the Women’s Resource Centre published a report about funding for women’s charities that showed one in five women’s organisations closed between 2004 and 2007. Yet the needs of society’s vulnerable women are growing. One in four UK women experience domestic violence at some point in their lives, and two women are killed every week by current or former partners. In the last decade the number of women in prison has nearly doubled, from 2,305 in 1996 to 4,463 in 2006. In 2006 only 20% of MPs, 10% of high court judges and 10% of executive directors of FTSE 100 companies (0.4% from black minority ethnic/BME groups) were women. Women in full-time employment earned 17.2% less than men in 2006; for part-time workers the gap was 35.6%.
At Pilotlight, we have worked with several partner organisations addressing women’s issues. Many are feeling the effects of a changing environment, and not necessarily as a result of the economic downturn. Pilotlight London charities Kiran Asian Women’s Aid and Cheshire-based Vale Royal Women’s Aid both support women suffering as a result of domestic violence. Since 2003, local councils across the country have funded women’s refuges through Supporting People grants ring-fenced for housing-related services for vulnerable people, including refuge provision for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. In April 2009, the ring-fence will be removed and local councils will have the option to grant the funds to vulnerable people in a variety of situations, not necessarily housing-related.
Smaller refuges like Kiran and Vale Royal are concerned about the competition for funds that these changes will bring about. A loss of funding will make them more vulnerable to takeover by larger housing associations or put them in a position where they have to merge with other smaller refuges, which would undermine the specialised, high quality services that they provide.
The Ashiana Network worked with Pilotlight London between 2004 and 2006. The charity supports South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women experiencing domestic violence. Chief Executive Shaminder Ubhi says the funding challenge is particularly acute for organisations working with black and Asian women. She explains that three years ago there were 14 independent specialist BME refuge providers in London and now there are only six. Only 50% of these specialist organisations have survived the last five years.
"In a climate where mainstreaming services is becoming the norm, it is crucial for funders to understand the need for culturally specific services that support the needs of vulnerable black and minority ethnic women" says Shaminder. "Specific provision is not just about providing a service in a particular language, but about having an understanding and knowledge of cultures, communities, traditions and specific forms of violence against women within these communities. The result is a culturally sensitive service, focused on empowering women and making a significant impact on their safety, health and well-being."
The government is currently conducting a consultation into violence against women, which our partner organisations hope will help the smaller providers to do their invaluable work. With the future uncertain it is more important than ever for women’s charities to plan strategically. Pilotlight is pleased to be supporting their work by helping them explore innovative ways to generate income, find collaborators and deliver essential services to the women who need their help.