Coun Emma Gilman

BEING a female councillor presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

Female councillors play a crucial role in shaping policies and making decisions that affect residents.

However, it’s not always that easy.

Women councillors often face many hurdles, not limited to, barriers to progression, intimidation, gender-based bias, and a battle trying to juggle councillor and personal responsibilities.

I work very hard to be the best councillor I can. I am also a mother, a carer, a wife, a daughter, a friend – I am so much more than a councillor (which is exactly why I am a good councillor) and I am a woman.

I maybe a brave, strong, intelligent woman, but when residents shout at me, behave aggressively or verbally abuse me, it is intimidating; I am scared. A scared councillor is not an effective councillor.

Luckily, I have had very little experience of

intimidating behaviour, but I know of many female councillors who are regularly targeted.

Councillors attacked on social media almost daily, that are shouted at and verbally abused in the street, that are intimidated and harassed.

How can female councillors effectively perform their council duties if they are living in constant fear of the next attack?

Female councillors are invaluable. We bring diverse perspectives and

experience, which can lead to more inclusive and representative policy making.

We can (and do) champion issues that are often overlooked and/or misunderstood, such as childcare and personal safety.

We are role models, hopefully inspiring other women and girls to engage in public service.

In Cheshire East 44 per cent of councillors are female (slightly higher than the national average), encouraging a

more balanced representation, leading to better governance.

As a society, we need to motivate and empower women, particularly in politics.

In Cheshire East, we have many amazing female councillors we must ensure we support and respect them, not drive them out by making their lives intolerable.

We are real people, with families, lives and feelings. Please remember this and don’t dehumanise us.