Conservative Women's Organisation

Chairman's Message by Pauline Lucas

Pauline Lucas Thank you for taking the time to find out about the Conservative Women's Organisation.

The CWO offers a focus and support for all women whose beliefs and values are broadly in sympathy with David Cameron's modern Conservative Party. They can establish contact, learn about Conservative viewpoints and contribute to the discussion about the issues that will influence future Conservative policy.

It also provides a special place for all those women who are already members of the Conservative Party; they are all members of the CWO. They form a countrywide network of women of all ages and backgrounds, working together in a wide range of activities within the voluntary party.

Massive changes in the way that society structures itself have had an impact on the opportunities available for many women to engage in organisations - they may be working, following professional development, running families – with less time for each. The CWO has responded to this, adapting meetings in length, time and place to cater for the variety of needs.

Over the last few years especially, the CWO has been developing its place in the new political environment, holding conferences, forums, panel and summit meetings to inform and examine the issues which are important to and affect women – the traditional core areas of health, education, caring for loved ones, all still vitally important to huge numbers of women; but also opening other areas such as violence towards women or the awareness that the status of women across the world can be very different from our own.

The CWO also encourages women to become involved in all levels of public life in their local communities, as School governors or in other public appointments or other voluntary activities. The CWO is there to help support Conservative candidates, but especially women, at all levels – as Councillors or as Parliamentary Candidates, whether for Westminster or Brussels. We can provide training, mentoring and speaking opportunities.

I believe strongly in the CWO because it has provided me with the opportunity to be involved in political discussion, in an environment where I feel included and heard.

Come and join in, get involved at whatever level you want, wherever you are in the country, in person or through the website. We look forward to meeting you at future events, your contribution could make a difference for women living in Britain.

Pauline Lucas
Chairman, CWO