Kirklees Refugee Forum event. The rights of women seeking asylum: a charter. Women's discussion group.

Aims

This is a report of an event to gain a snapshot of the issues affecting women in Kirklees with a focus on financial support and accommodation.

Methodology

17 women attended the informal event including women seeking asylum, those refused, those who had been granted refugee status and support workers.

Key issues

Main issues that arose on the day were: shared accommodation for mother and babies; Section 4 vouchers causing embarrassment and restricting choice and financial creativity; access to education and lack of childcare, and women with no recourse to public funds and domestic violence.

Recommendations

The report identifies solutions aimed at central and local government and a range of agencies that relate to Section 4 vouchers, funding for college courses, crèche provision, separate accommodation for families, and location of Section 4 housing.