Andrew Stunell joins in celebrating equality with graduates from a pioneering mentorship program.
A new mentoring scheme, jointly developed by the Government Equalities Office (GEO) and Operation Black Vote, is targeting Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women to increase their participation in local politics. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address the barriers faced by women from these communities in entering political roles.
The mentoring scheme offers training and mentoring to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for political involvement. It is based on research that highlights the effectiveness of such programs in helping underrepresented groups, including BAME women, to stand for election and progress in politics.
The scheme's inception can be traced back to a rapid evidence review commissioned by the GEO in January 2018, which identified barriers to women's participation in local and national politics and reviewed positive action mechanisms that have successfully increased participation.
Operation Black Vote, an organization dedicated to increasing political participation among Black and minority ethnic communities, collaborates in these mentoring schemes. Their approach typically includes providing role models, mentoring, and skills development tailored to the specific challenges faced by BAME individuals.
The mentoring scheme has focused on overcoming information gaps and building political confidence, addressing systemic barriers like lack of access to networks and political knowledge, which disproportionately affect BAME women. The success of these programs is reflected in an increasing number of BAME women standing for and holding local political offices, helping to create more diverse and representative decision-making bodies.
One of the participants, Jeya Nadanakumaran, expressed her ambitions to stand for councillor this year and recommended the scheme to others. She shared that the scheme gave her a fantastic insight into the life of a councillor and provided opportunities to network and make contacts. Another participant, Pathuma Ali, mentioned that the scheme provided her with the push she needed to stand for election and is now a councillor.
The scheme paired Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women with local councillors for a 6-month period from October 2009 to March 2010. Fifteen of the women were inspired enough to stand for election in the 6 May poll, and 4 of them won seats.
The mentoring scheme, launched by the Government Equalities Office and Operation Black Vote, took place in the House of Commons on Monday 14 June. The Big Society and Localism initiatives, which focus on inclusiveness and fairness, provide opportunities for women and ethnic minorities to influence decisions.
Minister Andrew Stunell, who met with over 60 women from black and minority ethnic backgrounds who had graduated from the scheme, congratulated all the women who took part and expressed his intent to work with partners and Ministerial colleagues to push the race equality agenda forward.
In conclusion, the GEO and Operation Black Vote mentoring scheme is a targeted initiative within broader positive action frameworks emphasizing mentorship to empower BAME women politically. The success of the scheme is evident in the increased participation of BAME women in local politics and the creation of more diverse and representative decision-making bodies.
