Lord Provost slams misogyn
Appeal for more to be done to protect women as officials reveal abuse and harassment
GLASGOW’S Lord Provost has said she faces repeated incidents of misogyny in the City Chambers, as leading councillors called for more to be done to protect women in politics.
Female councillors admitted they suffered abuse and harassment in Glasgow – with one politician revealing it did not just come from members of the public and saying she had been “intimidated” by three colleagues.
And council leader Susan Aitken – who also said she had been a target for such abuse – said all councillors in the chambers facing hostility should have protection if they don’t feel safe.
The concerns of female councillors came as Labour deputy leader Soryia Siddique brought a composite motion calling for more action to boost the representation of women in politics.
Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren described how she repeatedly faces misogyny in the council chambers.
“I’ve heard a lot directed at me in the chamber from a lot of people that is complete misogyny since I’ve been the Lord Provost,” she said.
“And that has been paramount. That is not just from men – some women in here are like that too.”
Councillor Eva Murray, Labour, said: “It feels like things are getting worse.”
She told how councillors in the chamber are wondering if they can make it to the end of term because of barriers and abuse.
After thanking the council for supporting her, she said: “It is awful when the abuse comes from a member of the public but the council does have mechanisms in place.”
She said: “For me, the lesser spoken about issue and a much trickier part of the role is when a colleague is the one giving abuse.
“Throughout my time here I have had to raise concerns about three colleagues in my two terms – two last term and one this term.”
The complaints were about “intimidation and being verbally abused”, according to councillor Murray.
Aitken also said things “are getting worse when it comes to the safety, security and wellbeing of elected members”.
Recalling her experiences of being targeted, she said it is entirely appropriate that money is spent to ensure the safety of every councillor, particularly women and those from marginalised communities who need it. She said anyone being threatened will have her full support.
During the debate, SNP councillor Richard Bell faced criticism from councillor Catherine Vallis, Labour, for making a comment that Labour councillor Jill Brown ‘” doesn’t know how money works”.
She compared it to “a comment from the 1970s” and described it as not acceptable.
Bell said Brown made a “dishonest statement” and the fact she “happened to be a woman was neither here nor there”.
George Redmond, Labour group leader, accused him of using a certain tone and aggression.
Siddique said the level of “aggression in this chamber is totally unacceptable”.
She said: “As a BAME woman
I’ve heard a lot directed at me in the chamber from a lot of people that is complete misogyny since I’ve been the Lord Provost
rooted in local politics, breaking barriers often feels like an uphill battle. The current political climate can be demoralising.”
She added: “It is disheartening to witness how toxic and unwelcoming these spaces can be particularly for those like myself who identify as BAME and choose to follow Muslim traditions. I choose to wear a headscarf. Sadly far too many want to decide and comment on how I should choose to dress.”
She added: “Now is the time to take progressive steps to support women in politics and empower their participation in our democratic progress.”
Her motion, which was backed by Labour and Scottish Greens, agreed to adopt Cosla voluntary guidance on family leave for councillors among a range of actions.
The council is also to look at ways to improve councillor pay and take action on ways of working including business hours with “gendered impact”.
A report is to be prepared to find ways to provide better support for councillors who receive abuse, bullying, racism and harassment as well as a number of other measures.