30.07.2019
Women in Shetland, Aberdeenshire, Western Isles and Argyll and Bute are being invited to attend a free event to look at pathways to elected office on Saturday 7 September. This is one of several ‘Scotland Women Stand’ regional hubs, which will link up to a central meeting being held with 400 women in the Scottish Parliament’s Debating Chamber.
Scotland Women Stand is a drive for better women’s political representation being run by The Parliament Project and the YWCA – The Young Women’s Movement, with the regional hubs being supported and run by the local authorities in each area.
Women at the hub will be able to watch and fully interact with the events as they happen at the Scottish Parliament, including asking questions of the speakers. This will be followed by a workshop at the hub exploring routes to elected office, and overcoming barriers.
The events are open to women of all ages, backgrounds and political affiliations. The day will be a chance to hear more about the potential for women to have a voice in Scottish political life and hear from high-profile, inspirational figures already playing key roles.
Deputy Presiding Officer, Linda Fabiani MSP, who will chair the event said:
“Having women in elected politics at all levels matters. The Parliament recognises this, and we are delighted to welcome Scotland Women Stand into our Chamber. We are also very pleased that we can engage with women at these multiple hubs.
“I recognise that standing can be a daunting prospect, so I hope is that this event will encourage women and demystify politics. It would be a very positive outcome of our 20th anniversary year if female political representation has improved by our next milestone birthday.
Lee Chalmers, Founder of The Parliament Project said:
“Scotland Women Stand is about women from every part of our nation exploring their political ambitions. Whether that is city or rural, mainland or islands women.
“We are delighted and very excited to be working with these 4 Local Councils on making this day accessible to more women”.
Background
For information about how to register to attend this event please go to www.scotwomenstand.org
Scotland’s Women Stand is funded by the Scottish Government.
The locations of the workshops in supporting Councils are:
• Stornoway, Uist and Barra (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar)
• Lerwick (Shetland)
• Lochgilphead (Argyll and Bute)
• Aberdeen (Aberdeenshire).
About the Parliament project
The Parliament Project is a non-partisan project aiming to inspire, empower and encourage women to run for political office in the UK. Focusing on practical, hands-on training and support, The Parliament Project’s programmes of work demystify the process for women wanting to get involved in politics and offer ongoing support. Active across England and Scotland, nearly 3000 women have attended their workshops in the last two years, creating a groundswell of women entering political parties to ultimately achieve 51% female representation in all spheres of politics.
About YWCA Scotland - The Young Women’s Movement
YWCA Scotland - The Young Women’s Movement is a feminist organisation and part of a worldwide movement of women leading change. Their vision is to live in a world where every woman can shape her own life journey and fulfil her potential, where the voices of women are heard, respected and celebrated. The movement they lead is diverse and intergenerational, open to all self-identifying women with a clear focus on women aged under 30. They currently run the Young Women Lead programme to create space for Scotland’s young women in parliament and amplify their voices.