Mary Parmeter’s Post

Watch Now: Indigenous Women’s Right to Housing Webinar. Our sister network hosted a webinar this week about how the federal government has fallen short in its obligation to provide safe and secure housing for Indigenous women, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people. Learn more: https://loom.ly/IGl68v4

🌟 #SundayRead: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures for Texas Women 🌟 The Texas Women's Foundation is proud to unveil the 5th edition of our groundbreaking study, "Economic Issues of Women in Texas." Which was featured on NBC 5 DFW News! This report highlights the barriers women face on the path to long-term economic security and success in Texas. Despite Texas being the 8th largest economy in the world, our findings reveal persistent challenges in equity, opportunity, and pay—especially for women with advanced degrees. As shared by our CEO & President Karen Hughes White, "The time is now to really invest in removing the barriers that stand in women's way." With over 1 million women joining the workforce since 2014, we remain committed to advancing solutions for systemic issues like housing, childcare, and poverty. 📺 Watch the full interview to hear more about how we’re working to create lasting change with this research: https://lnkd.in/gxM2Dyf2 #EconomicEquity #TexasWomen #TWFImpact #BreakingBarriers

Women’s rights are at a crossroads - join AAUW for a must see post-election webinar! As we face a new political landscape, it’s more important than ever to discuss the future of women’s economic security. 📈 Pay equity, paid family leave, and affordable childcare are just the beginning of the conversation. Hear from leading experts like Heather Marie Boushey, Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, and Gloria L. Blackwell as they dive deep into how these issues may evolve under the new administration and the 119th Congress. 💼 What’s at stake? Women’s economic well-being and the policies that could either make or break it. 💡 What can you do? Get informed, get inspired, and get ready to advocate for a fairer future for women everywhere.

This looks fantastic! The care economy is super important for building a healthier, more sustainable society. When we invest in care services—like healthcare, childcare, and support for the elderly—we’re not just helping individuals, but also helping to boost overall mental health and social well-being. Plus, it helps tackle health inequalities by making sure everyone has access to the support they need. This focus on care also promotes sustainable growth, ensuring caregivers aren’t burning out. In the end, prioritising the care economy drives more inclusive growth and helps create a fairer, more resilient world for everyone. Nice one, Fiona!!

🎉 The Maine Women's Business List is LIVE! 🎉 ✨ This is a first-of-its-kind, free, and publicly searchable database of woman-owned businesses in Maine, designed to raise visibility for the incredible woman*-owned businesses powering Maine's economy. 💡Did you know that 40.5% of all businesses in Maine are woman-owned?! 👩🏾🔧 By spotlighting these businesses, the Maine Women’s Business List hopes to promote a more inclusive and supportive economic environment, making it easier for the community to connect with and support woman-led businesses. 👉 Maine-based businesses with at least 50% female-identifying ownership can register in the directory for free! Please search, share, register, and spread the word! https://lnkd.in/e-kGtyB3 *The Maine Women’s Business List aligns with the definition of women and female that explicitly includes not only cis women, but also trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer and non-binary individuals.

‘The call for greater diversity in leadership has grown louder, yet women remain underrepresented in political offices, particularly at the local government level. Despite making up more than half the U.S. population, women account for only 31% of state legislative seats, less than 30% of mayoral positions and hold just 26% of elected county offices nationwide, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.’ Read the full article iKNOW Politics.

** The Belfast Women map is turning into a Six-County Women map! ** Have a look! Although there are more medal claims to populate (yellow, for those whose service claim was unsuccessful), there are now over 300 names. Locators are linked to our #MSPA database: click on a name and access the archival description. There, you can download the full specs digitised files. Disclaimer: many applicants moved and listed several addresses in their application(s). The intent has been to use the address that was most likely the claimant's main residence in the 1920s but it's not always clear from the file itself. Some addresses cannot be found anymore (rural areas) or do not exist anymore (streets). If there are obvious errors, let me know. To go a bit further, we have two posts on our blog that offer some essential context for northern pension applicants and their experience: 1)  The Six-Counties in the MSPC – Verification of claims for a different conflict: https://lnkd.in/e_nXV8Dn 2) The Six-Counties in the MSPC – Belfast women and the cost of war: https://lnkd.in/eUgxajdc https://lnkd.in/eZ5kyE_C #Map #Archives #IrishArchives #Research #OpenAccess

Recommended: 📚 #Book: "What if Women Designed the City?" by May East For anyone involved in city/human settlement design who may be interested in the topic. Follow the link: 👇🏼

📢 Why we need action on breaking barriers for women in politics In Scotland, women make up only 35% of local councillors. Men remain systematically over-represented at all levels of politics. On Tuesday, our Executive Director, Catherine Murphy, gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament Equalities, Human Rights & Civil Justice Committee. She highlighted the barriers women face in getting involved in politics & shared what needs to happen — across parties, government, parliament & beyond — to drive progress toward women's equal representation in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. What needs to change? 🔹 Our democratic bodies must represent all of Scottish society & decision-making should reflect the diverse needs & experiences of our communities. 🔹 We need robust, intersectional data on the protected characteristics of our elected representatives to help build a more equal Scotland. ➡️ To learn more about the barriers that exist & changes we want to see check out our Theory of Change for women's representation here: https://lnkd.in/gc4RFmup & look out for our upcoming research on women's experiences inside political parties.

Together, we are stronger. During my career, I have had experience in working with Ministers and Opposition to find solutions for challenges our rural women and rural communities face. There are two key parts that are instrumental in creating solutions and change that will continue to be a point of focus for me, regardless of my role with Rural Women New Zealand | Ngā Wāhine Taiwhenua o Aotearoa. Firstly, gathering data to support the change and solutions needed. That’s where RWNZ is so vital. By gathering information from RWNZ members across the country about their needs and wants we can more clearly identify the issues facing us and build a solid case to advocate for our rural communities at the government level. Secondly, adding more voices to the mix. RWNZ can be hugely impactful but we are nothing without our members. Encouraging more rural women from all ages and stages of life to join RWNZ is crucial to ensure we can be more effective advocates and that every member and rural community can benefit from what RWNZ has to offer. If you are an RWNZ member please take the time to vote so we can be stronger together. Voting closes on the 25th October.