It's Pimms, canapes and a jazz band on what we hope will be a warm summers night so if you haven't already got your tickets why not call the office today and book.  We set sail at 8pm from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry and return at 11pm.  Tickets are £17.50 (members) £20 (non-members)

The coalitions plans to re-introduce anonimity for those accused of rape in England and Wales have been dropped after opposition from MPs and women's groups.   Justice Minister, Crispin Blunt announced that the govt would instead put pressure on the media to withhold the name of the accused until charges were made.  In practice this is what currently happens - See Daily Telegraph article .   Meanwhile thanks to  Womensgrid for finding this gem which gives an insight into how the plans came to be in the coalitions programme in the first place (reference is at bottom of this article)         

Women and Citizenship in Britain and Ireland in the 20th Century: What difference did the vote make?  has been co-edited by Engender supporter, Esther Brietenbach and contains essays from a few other names you may recognise.  The book is published by Continuum and can be ordered for the reduced price of  £42 until 31st August.  Find out more about the book and download an order form here  

The Centre for Women's Studies at York Universtiy are hosting a Carnival of Feminist Cultural Activism in March 2011 and are calling for submissions of academic papers, presentations, performance, exhibitions and workshops for what will be a three day international event bringing together artists, activists and academics.  See here for full details  

The Edinburgh festivals will be starting soon so if you see an event at the International, Fringe, Book or Politics festival you think other Engender members would enjoy (or want to advertise an event you know of) please email details to me at karen@engender.org.uk and we'll get them on this update...