Is equality still a fight to be won 100 years on?
Members of public reflect on Suffragettes
One hundred years on since some women were given the right to vote, a female prime minister and first minister are governing the country.
But, since the Representation of the People Act was passed in the UK, women continue to battle for equality in all parts of life. We asked East Kilbride shoppers how far female empowerment has come since the Suffragettes.
Megan MacKay, 28, of St Leonards, said: Bigger steps towards equality are being made – especially with what is going on in Hollywood right now – but across the board there is a lot more work to be done.”
East Mains couple Andrea and Jim Waddell agreed that women deserve the same rights as men. Andrea, 55, said: “We should encourage our daughters to exercise their right to vote and the message should be driven in schools after all that sacrifice.” Jim,62, added: “Women deserve to have equal pay, Scotland is quite stone-age in that respect.”
Mary Lang, 74, of West Mains said: “It’s sad how long it’s taken for women to get to where they are today. I don’t agree with some of the things Theresa May says but she is a good role model for young girls.”
Caitlin McLaren, 57, of Eaglesham said: “My dad Andrew McLaren started Clyde Fastners in 1965 and paid women machinists the same as men because he knew they could do the same job – he was brought up by a strong woman.”
Steps towards equality are being made – especially in Hollywood Megan MacKay