Equality battle: women’s work never done?
IN recent weeks, there has – quite rightly – been much celebration of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, and the fact it wasn’t granted by the Establishment, but was earned only after hard-fought and at times costly and painful battle.
On International Women’s Day, we should remember another struggle 100 years ago.
It wasn’t only in the world of politics that women faced resistance: organised labour in the UK often didn’t welcome women workers.
Some unions resisted women members entirely, while others left it to local branches.
The historic London matchgirls strike of 1888 had been pivotal in improving dangerous working conditions in that industry but had not led to any general acceptance of women as union members.
The all-women National Federation of Women Workers was formed in 1906 and was led by the inspirational Scottish suffragist and trade unionist Mary Macarthur.
She recognised the relationship between the low wages that women received and their lack of collective organisation.
The NFWW represented its members like any other union, but its long-term aim was to break down gender barriers.
Accordingly, they willingly passed over their own members to any union or branch that decided to open its ranks to women, and in 1921 it merged with the National Union of General Workers (now GMB).
The struggle for the right of women workers to be organised in trade unions was as important as the battle for the vote, although it has scarcely been mentioned in any of the recent celebrations.
For Mary Macarthur, suffrage and union organisation were not separate issues.
This is a struggle that deserves to be more than a footnote in our history.
Neville Grundy, Southport WE write on behalf of the family of Eddie McKenzie who sadly passed away on Tuesday, March 6.
It is enormous thanks and gratitude that we send to all the staff on Ward 7A of Southport Hospital, Town Lane.
The care he received there was outstanding, despite them being over-stretched.
Eddie was treated with the utmost respect and dignity and the staff were so warm and caring.
We have nothing but admiration in the way our dear Eddie was treated right until his last hours. Thank you Ward 7A. Richard and Sharon Burns
via email
DOGGED BY DIRT
I HADN’T visited Southport for quite some time and one icy day we arrived to discover the town has been trialling a novel way of keeping the pavements free from frost.
Every street we walked was covered in a thick layer of dog’s dirt. It was both bemusing and traumatising.
I wondered whether it was some ill-conceived ruse to increase car usage since no one would want to travel on foot for fear of dirtying their soles.
When I lived in this town there was a huge sense of pride in every community. People would clean up after their dogs. It was the right thing to do.
On the plus side, there wasn’t much sign of frost. Dave Thackeray
via email
A SELFISH WORLD
WHAT I would like to say is that people in need don’t get the help they need.
The problem will grow. On the questions of personal liberty, our rights, and who is right (or wrong) many of us would agree that some people care, some don’t and others seem not to notice.
If I am homeless, and I have been, there are very few places that will understand my needs.
If I am abused by a family member, or partner (if I had one) there is no refuge.
I’m talking mentally and emotionally, not just domestic violence. There are especially few refuges for men.
In short the world has become too selfish, particularly since the baby boomers.
A lot of people will look at what I have written and think ‘nutter’.
But I call upon the true altruists and philanthropists of this world to get busy. Society (like me) is on its knees. It doesn’t have to be. Alex Holt A Southport man
RUN A PRICELESS ASSET
I’VE just seen a story which questions the wisdom of the Southport Park Run taking place in Hesketh Park.
It’s really sad that some people can be so narrow-minded.
My wife dragged me to the run after I had put on weight, been signed up to a ‘Living Well Taking Control’ pre-diabetes course (which is excellent, by the way) and was feeling at a particularly low ebb.
Since then I have met many friends and heard some amazing and moving stories.
My wife and I now start every weekend with a spring in our steps, even though often it isn’t always easy to get into gear.
And this just six years after I was lying in hospital recovering from a brain haemorrhage – saved, I am sure by my wonderful local doctor, Dr Mary McCormack.
We run with people of all ages and abilities, there is no judgement and every encouragement.
This run is a priceless asset to the community and a great credit to the volunteers who make it happen.
The run takes place at the same time every week so, for those who have concerns, they can always use the park at times that don’t clash – or if they have to use a park at that time, maybe consider a trip to Botanic Gardens instead.
Simon Shrouder, Southport