Branch sets key policies at Scottish Womens Conference
This year's Scottish Women's Conference surpassed all others both
in the uplifting contributions of guest speakers and in this Branch
setting union policy in several areas.
The morning session was a panel debate focussing on "Women's Voices
- Influencing the Policy Agenda" and the conference organisers had
certainly ensured all the panel were more than qualified to speak
on the subject. Margaret Curran MSP - spoke of the Committees she
was involved in (eg the Petitions Committee) and of her concerns
that some committees were underused (eg Legislation ).
Her input was certainly interesting and informative. Cathy McCormack
- a community activist - outlined the campaign she led which led
to her community becoming the first to get European Funding for
health and fuel problems in Scotland. A fascinating contribution
which certainly demonstrated women can set agendas and achieve results.
Annie Thorne - Chair of the STUC Women's Committee - advised delegates
of her committee's work in 3 areas, those being Free School Meals,
Seeking proportionality in Public Life (the 50 - 50 Campaign ) and,
Equal Pay (Closing the Gap Campaign) which included poverty issues
and pensions.
She closed her contribution with the thought-provoking statement
- "Women working together can and do change things. Women are able
to share and learn together. We have to keep doing it for ourselves
!"
Sue Robertson is Convener for Engender. This organisation strives
to increase women's participation through the provision of targetted
training (eg Political Skills Training). They work closely with
the 50 - 50 Campaign and provide a network for women in organisations
such as Trade unions. Sue closed her input by pointing out a very
cogent and important point - Engender is also about educating men
.(Think about it!)
World Trade
The branch delegation spent the lunch-break at a fringe meeting
with Anne McKenzie, MP for Maryhill, being the speaker. Her subject
was the World Trade Organisation which was a failure in her eyes.
One identified failure was that no multi-national company had its
H.Q. in the southern hemisphere. The WTO required to be repaired,
renewed and reformed if it was to achieve the key aims of Equality
and Freedom.
The morning had been an invigorating experience and was a credit
to the conference organisers. Of six motions on the afternoon agenda
four were from this branch.
Breast Cancer - calling for the collation of support mechanisms
put in place by different employers - "We know there are employers
out there who care for their employees and who address problems
such as Breast Cancer in a manner which is supportive and sensitive
to the needs of the individual."
Women in Afghanistan - calling for a campaign to highlight
the tragic treatment of women under the Taliban regime - "We demand
equality in this country. It would be hypocritical not to make the
same demands for our sisters- no matter what country they live in
-no matter what religion they follow - no matter the colour of their
skin. We must support these women and we must ensure their plight
is broadcast far and wide".
Anti-depressants - calling for more control of their use
and for more information on side effects to be made available -
"We should have an awareness that there are other ways to alleviate
stress and depression. Natural medicines, counselling, cognitive
therapy, homotherapy - all are viable alternatives to popping pills.
"As a union we have a responsibility to our many women members.
We should be taking action to highlight these issues and we should
be putting pressure on whoever we need to if we are to ensure women
can have a choice and that they can make that choice in an informed
way - sure of the facts and the possible dangers."
Violence against Women - calling for changes in the legal
system and more secure funding for support agencies - " The world
is changing. Let's make sure it changes in a way which ensures women
are treated with respect and dignity and are truly seen as equals
rather than some form of subordinate species. "
All our motions were agreed as Scottish Policy with our motions
on Breast Cancer and Antidepressants going to the National Womens
Conference as Scottish motions. A very successful afternoon's work.
The conference concluded with a contribution from Nancy Kelly,
UNISON Regional Officer, on the need to improve organisation in
the workplace if we are to meet head-on future challenges and threats.
A thoroughly exhausted delegation returned to Edinburgh flushed
with success and full of ambitions for women in the Branch.
The Branch Delegation was led by Irene Stout, Branch Equalities
Officer, ably supported by Agnes Petkevicius, Barbara Foubister
(both Education), Dot Paterson, Rose Jackson (both Social Work)
and Cath Kane (Voluntary Sector ).
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