UK Local Government Associations: Joint Statement on Civility in Public Life. The intimidation and abuse of Councillors, in person or otherwise, undermines democracy; it can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, prevent individuals from standing for election and undermine public trust in democratic processes. These harmful behaviours, whether occurring towards, between or …
This blog is from Michelle Campbell, SNP councillor for Erskine & Inchinnan In May 2017, I proudly became a councillor in my first ever election as a candidate. It was such a surreal experience being the face of a campaign, but also one of the most vulnerable moments I have felt. I would compare the …
To make equality happen, politics needs to lead by example Read More »
Two years ago, almost to the day I sat in the Council Chambers in Midlothian moving a motion on maternity leave for Councillors. I was 6 months pregnant by then, and at that point had literally no idea how I was going to have time to give birth (!). My motion passed and Midlothian became …
It’s time for fair family leave policy for our councillors – Kelly Parry Read More »
Earlier this month we wrote to all the major parties represented in the Scottish Parliament and asked them what they are doing to increase the number of women candidates in the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, as selections are currently taking place. We have received responses from 4 out of 5 of the parties and here …
Internal political party discussions are heating up as selections take place for Scottish Parliament candidates, but the talk isn’t about women’s representation. In the 2016 election, the SNP, Scottish Labour and the Greens either met the 50% women candidates target or came very close. As candidates are being selected, we think it is worth reminding …
This blog is from Alison Johnstone MSP, Scottish Greens Lothian MSP and a representative on the Women 50:50 steering group: In June last year a report, produced by the Scottish Parliament’s Standard’s Committee, into sexual harassment at the Scottish Parliament, called for urgent action. The report made several recommendations including mandatory training to encourage “positive …
Talat Yaqoob is the Co-Founder and Chair of Women 50:50 It’s International Women’s Day 2019, and naturally we have lots of chatter going on about representation, but at Women 50:50 we’re here 365 days a year 24/7 working on fair representation (you’re welcome). Apparently this year’s theme is “Balance for Better”; on the IWD website …
This blog is by Ashley Graczyk, an independent councillor for the Sighthill-Gorgie ward in Edinburgh. Growing up, I didn’t see many people in positions of power who looked or sounded like me. As a deaf, mixed heritage woman, this remains the case in 2018. While progress has been made on gender equality in the public sphere …
Alex Cole-Hamilton is the Scottish Liberal Democrats MSP for Edinburgh Western. We’re getting a statue of the Great Auk in Edinburgh. Well that’s a relief. For those of you who don’t know, a Great Auk is a flightless bird which was hunted to extinction in the mid-19th century. Our dearly departed, feathered friend will join …
Dr Soryia Siddique was elected to Glasgow City Council in 2012 and re-elected in 2015. With a PhD in cancer research, Soryia is passionate about science, education and equality. This year has seen several international women’s organisations launch campaigns to fight for women’s rights, equality and justice. The #MeToo, #TimesUp and #TimeisNow campaigns are just …
