On the 20th of March, the University of Stirling’s Politics Society hosted a Women in Politics panel, featuring Maggie Chapman MSP, Claire Baker MSP, and Melanie Ward MP.
The event had a small turnout, but participants were very enthusiastic.
Politics Society President Adam Johnson, who organised the event, commented: “We just really hope this is an insightful event for people to come along, from across the spectrum.
“A lot of times we just see what’s going on, but it’s nice to actually interact and ask,” he continues.
“Especially when it’s women who are higher up and their experiences, and how we can encourage more people into those spaces, really looking at how their experiences can shape the future for positive for women”.
Melanie Ward is the newly elected Labour MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkaldy, and was formerly a humanitarian aid worker and Chief Executive Officer of Medical Aid for Palestinians.
She attended the meeting virtually and spoke about her experiences with the “traditions and relics of the past that still dominate everyday life in Westminster”.
Despite women taking up 40% of MP roles, women in Westminster still face barriers, as Ward discussed the “cultural differences” to Holyrood.
“When some of the Tories talk about Rachel Reeves, the first female Chancellor, they call her ‘Rachel from accounts’ and they sort of try to demean her experience. I’ve never heard them say that about Gordon Brown”.
Claire Baker, Deputy Party Spokesperson for Transport for Scottish Labour, has served as MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife since 2007.
Baker spoke on the challenges that women in politics face due to childcare commitments. “It does have a bearing on people’s decisions, at this election we’re seeing a lot of women not standing again.”
For women hoping to go into politics, she advised: “Get involved, there’s a lot to be gained from it. If you really want to get involved, you need to choose a party. There’s not going to be a party where you agree with everything, so you have to make some compromises.”
Maggie Chapman, current Scottish Green MSP for North East Scotland and spokesperson for the Scottish Greens for Justice, Equality, Human Rights and Social Justice, was elected in 2021.
Chapman joined the panel virtually, and advised women who hope to go into politics: “Do it! Ask for help, take help when it’s offered, and sleep.
“It’s just about taking that first step. Importantly, you don’t have to take that first step alone. There are other women in politics, and we will help you, that’s not confined to party politics.
“It’s about using those connections as human beings, that can sustain us through some of those really awful moments”.
Lisa Bierling, Secretary of the Politics Society, who hosted the panel, commented: “The panel discussion was an opportunity to learn from the experiences of incredible women who are reshaping the political landscape.
“Hosting this event reminded me of the importance of spaces where women’s voices can be heard, and I’m grateful for the perspectives shared by Claire Baker, Maggie Chapman, and Melanie Ward.”
Stirling’s Feminist Society expressed their enthusiasm for the event, and their excitement to “have the opportunity to gain some really valuable insight into the experiences of women within a male dominated career field”.
Featured image credit: Jess Urquhart
4th year Politics and Journalism student.
Secretary for Brig
The Herald Student Press Awards Columnist Of The Year 2024 (which sorry i’m still not over)
