"If You Wanna Be My Equal"

GENDER EQUALITY DUTY LAUNCH PERFORMANCE

Are you searching for an entertaining and engaging way to introduce the new Gender Equality Duty to your staff?

Do you want to make a potentially ‘dry’ event into something that really celebrates the new GED legislation?

If the answer is yes, you need to book Chain Reaction’s brand new GED launch performance, "If You Wanna Be My Equal"!

The Gender Equality Duty (GED) is a legal obligation which came into force in April 2007. It requires public authorities to promote gender equality and eliminate sex discrimination.

In seeking a new and entertaining way to introduce and champion this new legislation, the London Borough of Waltham Forest commissioned educational theatre veterans the Chain Reaction Theatre Company to write and perform a brand new show to ensure that the ground-breaking Gender Equality Duty was launched to their staff in a suitably unique and memorable way.

"What Chain Reaction did in ten minutes is more than I could have done in a whole hour’s presentation. In terms of getting the message of gender equality across and engaging the audience, it was perfect!"
Jane Brown, Diversity Manager, London Borough of Waltham Forest

About the Show

“If You Wanna Be My Equal” has been devised specifically to help launch the Gender Equality Duty to councils and public authorities, in a non-bureaucratic way that shows their firm belief in the principles of gender equality.

Using popular culture references and songs including “Deal or No Deal”, “EastEnders”, “Wannabee” (by the Spice Girls) and “You’re The One That I Want” (from the Grease soundtrack), the show entertains, engages and most of all illustrates the problems of gender inequality to the audience, allowing the perfect springboard for a more formal introduction to the legislation.

It’s designed to make the audience sit up and listen – all too often new initiatives can fall on deaf ears when they are introduced in a traditional lecture/presentation format - “If You Want To Be My Equal” lightens the subject, by making audiences laugh, think and understand.

The show tackles a range of Gender Equality issues, from the fact that men too can suffer from gender inequality, to problems facing pregnant women in the workplace and more, and illustrates why the Gender Equality Duty is so important in making today’s society a more positive place.

"Once again, Chain Reaction have turned a local government issue into something that is fun, engaging and accessible for all audiences."
Robin Tuddenham, Assistant Chief Executive, London Borough of Waltham Forest

Branding the show with your Local Authority’s information

“If You Want To Be My Equal” also includes a bespoke section, tailored to your local area where the actresses can deliver four key facts or statistics around the subject of Gender Equality that are particularly pertinent to your local area, or are sourced from research your Diversity team have undertaken. The show is also tailored to your authority in other ways, including using the area’s name in songs and speech, to ensure that the piece is branded to your region.

About Chain Reaction

Chain Reaction are a nationally-renowned London-based theatre company producing a range of high-quality entertaining and informative performances around a range of current social themes. We have worked in schools, with local authorities, PCTs, private companies, police services and government bodies across the capital and throughout the country for the last thirteen years, bringing a lighter note and a clearer understanding to serious, and often un-engaging, subjects.

What People Say About Chain Reaction

"...One of the best events ever attended with the mix between drama and information being struck at the right balance!"
Sgt. Nigel Dermott, Substance Misuse and Youth Co-ordinator, Essex Police

About the Gender Equality Duty

The Gender Equality Duty [GED] is a legal obligation which came into force on 6th April 2007. It was introduced by the Equality Act 2006, which in turn amended the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The GED requires public authorities to promote gender equality and eliminate sex discrimination.

Instead of depending on individuals making complaints about sex discrimination, the duty places the legal responsibility on public authorities to demonstrate that they treat men and women fairly. The duty will affect policy making, public services, such as transport, and employment practices such as recruitment and flexible working. The duty says that when the Council is carrying out its functions that it has to “have due regard to the need to:
- Eliminate unlawful discrimination and
- Eliminate harassment and
- Promote equality of opportunity between men and women
From the Equal Opportunities Commission website

Duration: 10 minutes or (2x 5 minutes) – approx.

Tech spec: 12ft x 12ft stage area needs to be provided on site (CTRC provide their own lighting, props, and PA)