As part of a week dedicated to celebrating women during Women’s History Month, the University’s Politics Society and Feminist Society are collaborating on a trio of UoS Women’s Week events in March.
The free events are designed to highlight the struggles and experiences of women in politics and our society. They have been designed to focus on encouraging change through education.
The three UoS Women’s Week events will happen during the week beginning March 17 and include a workshop on the history of women’s suffrage, a lecture on women’s experiences, and a panel on women in politics.
During the workshop on the history of women’s suffrage, attendees will engage in an interactive session exploring the history of women in politics and their struggle to achieve suffrage, alongside a discussion about the representation of women in politics, comparing past and present.
This workshop will feature guest speaker Dr. Ian Cawood, a Stirling University history lecturer.
The lecture on women’s experiences will feature speakers from Forth Valley/Stirling Women’s District Aid Shelter and explore women’s experiences politically and culturally.
It will include a discussion of women as refugees and immigrants and their treatment at home and abroad, as well as highlighting global cultural issues faced by women, including abortion access and period poverty.
The panel on women in politics will discuss women’s experiences in politics and touch on issues such as women’s involvement in politics, the history of female representation, and the need for greater representation of women in politics today.
Guests for the panel include Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy Melanie Ward, former NUS women’s officer and former SNP MP Hannah Bardell, Green Party MSP for North East Scotland Maggie Chapman, and Claire Baker, Labour MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
Stirling’s Feminists for Equality Movement Society (Fem Soc) said about the events: “Politics is a very male-dominated space, so being able to have women within that field share their experiences; not only amplifies their voices but gives them the recognition they deserve for existing within a space they aren’t exactly welcomed into with open arms.
“We hope the events inspire those with an interest in politics to pursue it. The events were crafted to show that it is possible for women to exist, thrive, and exercise their expertise in a male-dominated area.”
The Politics Society said: “The events are to highlight the struggle women have faced but also the achievements of many great women in society.”
Find out more and get your tickets on the Student Union website or click the links below.
- Tuesday, March 18, 18:30 in Cottrell A7 – Women’s Suffrage History Workshop
- Wednesday, March 19, 18:30 in Cottrell B4 – Women’s Experiences Lecture
- Thursday, March 20, 19:00 in Cottrell B4 – Women in Politics Panel
Featured image credit: UOS FEM Soc Instagram
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