“Calling Time on Women’s Wasted Potential”

Coinciding with World Book Day on March 5th, over 40 people attended the launch of Mary Alys’ book, “Calling Time on Women’s Wasted Potential”

Mary wrote the book in her final days, she finished it on the Thursday and passed away on the Saturday, so this book was so very important to her and therefore we are committed to helping promote it and have it as a resource on equality courses.  We also believe it's a must read for anyone who influences children and young people such as teachers and careers advisers.

Mary believed in the power of learning and that education is a fundamental right for everyone.  Mary devoted most of her working life to enabling learners to achieve their full potential. Her particular passion was for women to fulfil their potential, which started in the 70s when teaching in Papua New Guinea where she realised that's girls subordinated their potential in favour of boys’ self esteem.

Even though women make up half of the workforce in the UK today, many are working below their skills level and often in low-paid, low-skilled, part time work. Young women today are still pushed into care and hairdressing whilst young men move towards traditionally male employment such as engineering.

The book looks at past experiences of work, up to the present day and helps us to understand the barriers for women and asks people to consider what the solutions are.

The book is available to purchase at £2.50 (cost price). To buy a copy or to find out more about the Mary Alys
Trust please email info@themaryalystrust.org.uk

Finally, please do tweet how you have used the book to @InfoCallingTime. 

Speakers at the launch included Lee Barron, TUC Midlands Regional Secretary who provided an outline about Mary and her work with the TUC/unionlearn. Cheryl Pidgeon, a previous Midlands TUC Regional Secretary spoke about the importance of woman getting involved in public life including trade unions.

Councillor Sue Barton talked about the history of women getting the right to vote. Councillor Adam Clarke then spoke about the campaign to secure a statue of Alice Hawkins, a suffragette from Leicester and her shared values with Mary.

The evening was rounded off by Lorraine Mirham who talked about Mary's journey, both from a personal point of view, her career and her involvement with WILPF

Lisa Stones

Union Support Officer