Hats off to women
Of course women have contributed in marvellous ways to Scottish society through history, both in the home and in public and professional life. Of course women can enter any career and excel. Does anyone disagree?
So why is public money being thrown at the “Scots Wummin” project? Many feminists can never admit victory. Even with girls outperforming boys at school, females outnumbering males at university, and female political party leaders being the norm, more must be done to help women succeed.
Nicola Sturgeon’s endorsement video of the “Scots Wummin” project bemoaned the lack of statues of women around Scotland and alluded to the contributions of some women to professions. In doing so, she seems to be equating the significance of women with their role outside the home.
I’m all for celebrating anyone’s successes and noble endeavours in public life, but we should also afford huge respect and gratitude to those whose greatest service to society is to nurture the next generation and set them on the path to productive citizenship.
Through human history, women have tended to focus more on home life than men. Men have focussed more on public life. This remains the
case today. By glorifying the professional and public and devaluing the domestic, we do not empower women but fail to appreciate a huge part of their indispensable contribution to society.
If any council wants to erect a fine statue celebrating motherhood, I’ll gladly chip in.
RICHARD LUCAS Scottish Family Party, Bath Street, Glasgow