Hamilton MP Ferrier joins call for gender equality

Politicians from across South Lanarkshire gathered at Hamilton Town House to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD).

The annual event aims to raise awareness of gender bias and highlight the fight for an equal society.

‘Each for Equal’ was the theme for 2020 and speakers included Equalities Minister and Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie as well as Shadow Health Minister Monica Lennon and Councillors Mary Donnelly (Hamilton West and Earnock) and Lynsey Hamilton (Clydesdale West).

The event was hailed a success by South Lanarkshire Council’s cross-party group for supporting the themes and raising awareness of International Women’s Day.

Representatives from the council’s Gender Violence Unit, Hamilton West MP Margaret Ferrier, Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and the Fairtrade Foundation were also present.

Hailing the event a success, the group has also backed calls to encourage women of all parties and none to stand for elected office to ensure they are heard within local democracy.

A spokesperson for the cross-party group said: “We believe we should all strive to ensure an equal world which is an enabled world.

“Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day.

“We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women’s achievements.

“Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender equal world. Gender equality is essential for economies and our communities to thrive.

“We would ask you do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women everywhere.

“The first International Women’s Day occurred in 1911, supported by over one million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.”

Central Scotland MSP Ms Lennon said: “I was pleased to speak at the International Women’s Day event in Hamilton organised by South Lanarkshire Council, joining others in celebrating the achievements of women and girls but also recognising that no country in the world has achieved full gender equality yet.

“This means we have a lot of work to do. I’m proud to be a women in public life, standing on the shoulders of courageous women and girls who fought for the rights that we now enjoy.

“We must redouble our efforts to detoxify our political culture and tackle sexism and inequality, in order to make the corridors of power more accessible to all women.”

Speaking after the event, Ms Ferrier said: “It was brilliant to join female colleagues from across the political spectrum to celebrate International Women’s Day.

“As the first ever female MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, I intend to be a role model for women and girls across South Lanarkshire and show them that there is no limit to what they can achieve.

“However, there is still a lot more work to be done to tackle the barriers that hold women back from full participation in society. I will be standing up for policies which will break down these barriers and deliver a fair, progressive and more equal society for everyone.”