ACERT chair, Rose McCarthy and EC member, Brian Foster gave evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee inquiry on education inequalities in Gypsy Roma and Traveller Communities on 12th September 2018. This follows a written submission made earlier in the year by Lisa Smith (current chair) and Margaret Wood, EC member. You can watch Parliament TV coverage of the session here.
The 2018 conference lived up to and maybe exceeded our expectations. We heard about powerful Gypsy women in history, strong women in the circus, Traveller activism in Ireland , videos, poetry and personal testimonies. Laughter, applause, conversation and community. A very special occasion.
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Students will be given priority in King’s College London K+ Programme For more information go to www.kplus.london or email kplus@kcl.ac.uk .
King’s College London is dedicated to increasing access to higher education in under-represented groups, and for the first time students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities will be prioritised on the flagship K+ programme.
The K+ Programme is a free 2 year programme for current year 12s in the Greater London area, it equips students with the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue their journey with subjects ranging from Healthcare and Sciences to Law and Politics.
The deadline for applications is 10 October 2018 so spread the word and get your applications in quickly! And if you are in year 11 its never to early to start thinking about your application for next year…
To celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage, our annual mini conference and AGM 2018 will examine the crucial role played by Gypsy, Roma and Traveller women in the campaign for rights and equality.
Provisional programme:
| 09:00-10:00 |
Welcome and registration (Refreshments available) |
Margaret Wood and Sue Mutter |
| 10:00-10:15 | Opening remarks and chairs report | |
| 10:15 10:35 | Romani and Traveller women’s activism past and present. | Jeremy GRTHS & Lisa Smith |
| 10:35- 10:55 | ‘Take us as we are’ short film and performance | Liza Mortimor |
| 10:55- 11:15 | Her Inspirational Journey to advocacy and success | Sindy Joyce |
| 11:15 – 11:35 | ‘Women in the circus’ short film | Dr Dea Birkett (Women Circus Proprieteurs) |
| 11:35 – 11:55 | Mother & daughter activists and Lawyer | Mania Malik & Natasha Malik |
| 11:55 – 12:15 | Gypsy Roma Traveller Women’s Empowerment Network | Christina and Tina Purcell |
| 12:15 – 12:35 | Janie Codona * | |
| 12:35-13:30 | Lunch Provided | |
| 13:30-14:00 | ACERT Panel discussion | Hazel Marsh , Siobhan Spencer, Kealey Sly |
| 14:00-14:20 | ||
| 14:20-14:40 | Josie O’Driscoll, Sherrie Smith and Claire Rice* | ReportRacism GRT |
| 14:40-15:00 | Lois Brookes* | |
| 15:00-15:20 | ‘Roma and Traveller Rights Defenders’ European pan activist network | European Roma Rights Centre |
| 15:20-15:30 | Closing remarks | |
| 15:30-16:00 | ACERT AGM |
