RCN supports International Women’s Day

Published: 08 March 2013

The Royal College of Nursing is supporting this year’s International Women’s Day, which takes place today (8 March).

This year’s theme in the UK is preventing violence.

“All workers have a right to work safely and free from violence,” said Kim Sunley, RCN Senior Employment Relations Adviser. “The RCN is concerned that a predominantly female nursing workforce is exposed to high levels of physical and verbal abuse at work and calls on employers, regulators and the Government to do more to protect vulnerable workers from violence.”

Wendy Irwin, RCN Diversity and Equalities Co-ordinator, added:  “There have been some horrific stories of abuse and violence against women and girls hitting the headlines internationally recently and this year’s International Women’s Day theme is a timely reminder of the role nurses and health care support workers can play in identifying and appropriately responding to all forms of domestic abuse and violence.”

The RCN will continue to raise awareness of International Women’s Day as an integral part of our long tradition of work in implementing equality of opportunity, celebrating diversity and promoting human rights. “International Women’s Day gives us a vital chance to keep women’s health firmly on our agenda,” said Carmel Bagness, RCN Midwifery and Women’s Health Adviser.

The RCN has created a short presentation (2.85MB) that highlights the work that the RCN is doing in support of this year’s International Women’s Day. 

Further information

Go to the International Women’s Day 2013 website.

If you are  an RCN  member concerned about workplace violence then speak to your local RCN representative or contact RCN Direct on 0345 772 6100 or visit www.rcn.org.uk/direct for further advice.  Read more information and get links to resources on workplace violence in Violence and aggression.