BPW NZ LEADERSHIP FORUM 2014 – THE POWER OF RESOLUTIONS

BPW NZLEADERSHIP FORUM 2014 – THE POWER OF RESOLUTIONS

WHY A RESOLUTION? • Provides the power to use our voice in different arenas • Nationally, Internationally and • United Nations • Ensures credibility to our responses or action against issues e.g.: • Submissions, written or oral • Press releases WHY DOES BPW NZ NEED YOUR RESOLUTIONS

WHY HAVE RESOLUTIONS? • Can be submitted to umbrella organisations or affiliations e.g.: • National Council of Women (NCWNZ) remits. • BPW International Policy • Result: more women have the tools to speak on Issues affecting women and their families. WHY DOES BPW NZ NEED YOUR RESOLUTIONS

Empowering Women

The story of a Resolution…. THE STORY OF A RESOLUTION

How to Start…. • Identifying what are issues that are affecting women today: • Economic Empowerment….or lack of • Imaging…the power of media, both negative and positive • Where are the barriers or shortfalls for women? THE STORY OF A RESOLUTION

An Idea Takes Hold….. • Body Imaging: • Who are most affected • What impact is it having • What types of media have an impact on people • Who are most impacted by the media in its different forms • Is it an issue for BPW to pick up HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

Other Areas to consider • Any particular reference back to the Policy Document….e.g. for example “Section 19: General External Policy……” • Does it fit within any sections of CEDAW….and what is CEDAW…. HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

The Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) • The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. • The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field." HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

So some boxes are ticked yes! • But not all…. • So what next: • Identify key factors • Find supporting research • Look at who it is you are speaking for • Who are strongly affected HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

What Action is Required from the Resolution? • “THAT the New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ) Inc ..... • …Reaffirms it position… • …Urges the Government… • …Urges the Broadcasting Standards Authority… HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

So…now how to write your resolution… • Identified the subject: • Body Image • What the resolution is to achieve: • Changes in law • Raising Awareness • Has a directive within the context to ensure it can be used in a broad context. HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

Open up for debate with your members…. • Always good to have others review it: • Add strength • Allows for other areas maybe not identified • Look at a potential seconder/club to discuss with early HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

Body Image…prepared… G8: Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image • THAT the New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ) Inc urgesthe Government to introduce a Voluntary Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image, asking the fashion industry and all forms of media to stop portraying unrealistic, extremely thin figures in their promotional material. • Moved by: BPW Franklin • Rational: providewhy this is required….but not how it is to be implemented, the resolution provides that. • Action: what are the outcomes that should take place, e.g. letters to Ministers, press releases etc, prepare for NCWNZ or BPW International • Costs: are there any potential costs to the Federation. HOW TO WRITE A RESOLUTION

Resolution passed…where to next….? • Remit prepared and passed unanimously at NCW Conference 11-12 October 2014. Then… A RESOLUTION IS PASSED…WHERE TO NOW?

Glassons’ ‘Skinny Mannequins” • Natalie Akoorie …Natalie Akoorie is a reporter at the NZ Herald based in Hamilton. 5:00 AM Monday Oct 13, 2014 • Glassons taken to task over skinny mannequin… A RESOLUTION IS PASSED…WHERE TO NOW?

Fashion Industry Icon…Get a life, it's Queen St for God's sake. Worried about skinny mannequin? 'Get a life' says fashion maven • By Patrice Dougan 4:10 PM Tuesday Oct 14, 2014 • WORLD co-founder and chief executive Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and the Glassons skinny mannequin. Photo / File, Twitter • People worrying about the influence skinny mannequins have on teenagers and children should "get a life," the head of one of New Zealand's biggest fashion brands says as she stands by her comments that "clothes look better on skinny people". • WORLD co-founder and chief executive Denise L'Estrange-Corbet was speaking on TV One's Breakfast programme this morning, in the wake of a public outcry over the use of mannequins with visible ribs in high street fashion chain Glassons, when she made the comments. • "Let's face it, clothes look better on skinny people," she told the show. A RESOLUTION IS PASSED…WHERE TO NOW?

BPW NZ takes Action….. • IPP notified President…we need to respond, we have it in our policy…. • Result press release prepared by President Vicky, Media team reviewed…. • Final result issued…. A RESOLUTION TAKES FLIGHT

Media Release: BPW NZ calls fashion industry to account…October 15th The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ) joins the call for action on the use of skinny models and mannequins as it is directly affecting the self-esteem and health of many of our young people. Research shows a direct correlation between published and modelled “perfect” body image and the body dissatisfaction of young girls which results in health problems, low self-esteem and greater risk of self-harm and suicide. “BPW NZ calls upon the fashion industry and the media to act responsibly and introduce a voluntary code of practice on body image” says President Vicky Mee. “BPW NZ advocates for a Code providing accountability and guidelines that the industry must follow. “A code of practice on body image would provide the minimum standards to ensure young girls and women are not being shown an impossible ideal. “A code is an important and vital part of protecting our young women and allowing their talents to flourish, not having them worrying about reducing their body size” says Vicky Mee, President BPW NZ. “It is time for action.” For further information or to schedule an interview please contact:….. A RESOLUTION TAKES FLIGHT

BPW’s voice was heard…… • Glassons ditches skinny mannequins • Teuila Fuatai : Teuila Fuatai is a reporter for the NZ Herald, 8:05 PM Thursday Oct 16, 2014 • Meanwhile the NZ Federation of Business and Professional Women wants a code of practice in the fashion industry to end skinny models and mannequins. President Vicky Mee said they directly affected the self-esteem and health of young people. A RESOLUTION TAKES FLIGHT

THE RESOLUTION TAKES FLIGHT….. • Passed as a Remit for NCW • Used in a press release • Available for use in a submission • Being prepared for BPW International Congress 2017 A RESOLUTION TAKES FLIGHT

BPW NZ LEADERSHIP FORUM 2014 – THE POWER OF RESOLUTIONS