Tag: Women

Explorer of the Year heads women’s events at Edinburgh Festival of Cycling

Shannon Galpin will talk about her experiences cycling in Afghanistan while Festival puts focus on women in cycling

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National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and women’s rights activist Shannon Galpin (above), the first woman to mountain bike in Afghanistan, will be sharing her story in the talk ‘Pedaling a Revolution’ at the third Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, held across various venues from 11 – 21 June.

An avid mountain biker, who has spent seven years working on various projects to empower women and girls, most recently supporting the first generation of women riding bikes as part of the Afghan National Women’s Cycling Team, Galpin will be leading a strong bill of events for women as part of the Festival. She will be speaking at the Royal College of Physicians on 17 June at 7pm.

It is not just in Afghanistan that women are changing the narrative, and not just in cycling. After last year’s successful launch, the Women’s Cycle Forum is back for an evening of discussion, inspiration and networking open to all. This year we’ll be hearing from women from successful campaigns about how they ‘changed the record’ and make a difference to their worlds – and then consider together how we can build a better one of our own. Whether you ride a bike for transport, fun or sport, or work in cycling in any way, come ready to learn and to talk about what we can all do to make a difference across the cycling world. Come away inspired, informed – and challenged – to ‘build a better world‘. The Women’s Cycle Forum will be held at Teviot Row House on 13th June at 7pm.

Another woman trying to bring a new perspective to the cycling safety debate is Tamara von Werthern, writer the of the new powerful new drama ‘The White Bike’. The White Bike addresses the issue of road safety by looking at the personal cost of road death and is inspired by the case of Eilidh Cairns who was killed by a lorry as she cycled to work. It uses witness statements, personal recollections of family members and years of cycling experience on the streets of London to create a deeply personal portrait of a life cut short too soon. A dramatic reading of the play will be given at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar on 11 June at 6.30pm.

Other inspiring woman appearing at the Festival include Juliana Buhring and Emily Chappell. World record holder Juliana Buhring was the fastest women to cycle around the world in 2012 and female winner of the Trans-Am Race 2014. Juliana will be giving a Q&A after the Scottish première of the film ‘Inspired to Ride’ about first TransAmerica race.

‘Inspired to Ride’ gives the audience an incredibly immersive experience of 45 cyclists
 from around the world who set out to cover 4,233 miles in 
one enormous stage race, traversing through ten US states in a transcontinental adventure of epic proportions. ‘Inspired to Ride’ will be screened at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar on 12 June 7pm.

Emily Chappell will be sharing her stories about cycling through some of the world’s most remote and inhospitable regions in a talk on 11 June at the Pleasance Cabaret Bar at 8pm. A bike messenger by trade, she has recently cycled from Anchorage to Seattle on a fatbike, through the snow and ice of the Alaska Highway.

The Edinburgh Festival also has a wide range of participatory events which are likely to appeal to women, these include: the original Edinburgh Night Ride (starts 19 June) which over the last two years has had over 40% participation. This ride give cyclists the chance to experience of cycling through the night on quiet roads in East Lothian.

A ride which is specifically aimed at female riders is the 15:15 ride led by the Edinburgh Belles on Bikes women’s cycling group. The route for this ride forms a figure of eight which allows riders ride for the whole 30 miles, or decide to stop after the first 15 miles.

There is also the ‘Women, Read and Ride on Tour’ a literary tour of Edinburgh by bike, celebrating cycling writing by women. This ride will include readings by Kate Rawles from her book The Carbon Cycle – Crossing the Great Divide (21 June).

For those who want to learn to ride or increase their confidence, there are courses for beginners (21 June) and an adult commuter course (13 June). In addition to this there are a range of family friendly events, these include the Bike Curious Family Workshop. This event, on 13 June at Sciennes Primary School, is to show families how the bike can be used as everyday family transport.

Tickets and more information on all events are available at www.edfoc.co.uk. The Festival can also be followed on Twitter at @edfoc, on Facebook at EdinburghFestivalofCycling, on Instagram at @edfoc and on Flickr at edincyclefest. The hashtag for the event is #edfoc2015

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Scottish government moves to tackle violence against women

Scottish Government to consult on domestic abuse and sexual offences

16935493742_69719aa689_zProposals to help victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual offences have been announced in a consultation by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Speaking at the Scottish Women’s Aid conference in Edinburgh yesterday, the First Minister confirmed that the consultation would seek views on how legislation can be used to better support victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual offences.

In her address, the First Minister outlined that the consultation would look at five key areas, among them would be whether a specific offence of Domestic Abuse is required and if legislation to tackle the problem of so-called “revenge porn” – the posting, usually by ex-partners, of private, intimate images without consent is needed to provide further protection.

The First Minister told the delegates that the Scottish Government was committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and to the realization of women’s equality in our society. She said: ““Violence against women is both a symptom and a cause of wider gender inequality across our society. And so ending violence against women has to be part of a broader strategy – we also need to achieve true gender equality in society as a whole.

“And of course, that’s exactly what this Government is trying to do. Appointing a gender balanced cabinet; campaigning for gender equality in the boardroom; expanding childcare; and addressing gender stereotypes. We’re working to create an economy and a society where discrimination has no place. There is still a great deal to do, but this government is determined to take a lead.

Urging the delegates to take part in the consultation the First Minister said: “We are launching a far reaching consultation today on whether the current law on domestic abuse and sexual offences should be clarified and strengthened. I strongly encourage you to respond; the deadline is the 19th of June.

“Domestic abuse in law can be challenging therefore we need to ensure that our legislation commands wide support, anticipates possible pitfalls, and allows us to prosecute the people who perpetrate these crimes.

“If there is a consensus on what we need to do, we will legislate in this Parliament. But if we need to do further work with stakeholders to ensure we get this absolutely right, we will do so.

“Either way, we will make clear that on-going coercive and controlling behaviour is unacceptable; and that those who commit such crimes will face justice. We know that changing the law isn’t enough on its own – but it can play an important part in the wider social and cultural changes we want to bring about.”

cryLily Greenan, Scottish Womens Aid, Chief Executive, said: “It is twenty years since the Beijing Platform for Action laid out the work that should be undertaken globally to improve and protect women’s human rights. The Platform for Action identified violence against women as one of the critical areas of concern. We are delighted that the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women is able to join us in reviewing the progress we have made in Scotland since 1995 to tackle violence against women.

“Equal participation of women and men in decision making was also one of the goals of the Beijing declaration. It’s a particular pleasure therefore to welcome First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the conference.

“Ms Sturgeon’s appointment demonstrates that some progress has been made on gender equality in the last twenty years. The conference will hear from frontline Women’s Aid workers how far this progress is reflected in the experiences of the women and children they support.”

Holyrood committee to study impact of welfare reforms on women

Women urged to share their experiences of welfare reform 

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The impact of recent welfare reforms on women in Scotland will be the focus of a new inquiry by the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee.

Evidence seen by MSPs has suggested that women are being disproportionately affected and research recently published by the Committee highlighted that lone parents have been severely impacted upon. The Committee has now launched a call for views and is asking how welfare changes have affected women.

Committee Convener Michael McMahon MSP explained: “Previous research conducted for the Committee has shown a significant impact on lone parents. That suggests there is likely to be a wider impact on large numbers of women, a view put forward by Professor Steve Fothergill at our meeting this week.

“Our Committee has put personal experiences at the heart of our work. This inquiry will be no different and we would like to hear from people across Scotland on how welfare changes have impacted their life.” 

Deputy Convener, Clare Adamson MSP added: “Our Committee has previously revealed the devastating impact of welfare reform on Scotland’s communities.

“The Committee has already heard first-hand testimony from women in Scotland on the challenges faced by many in light of the UK Government’s welfare reforms. We know there are many other women out there with experiences to share and I would encourage them to get in touch with us.”

The Committee would also like submissions to address the following questions: 

  • What is your (or your clients) experience of being on benefits or employment support?
  • How has your (or your clients) experience with the benefit system changed in recent years since the introduction of the welfare reforms?
  • Are there any challenges involved in being in receipt of your (your clients) particular benefits?
  • What would be your priorities for change when certain benefits / elements of employment support come to Scotland?
  • Do you have any suggestions of practical improvements that you would like to see when certain benefits / elements of employment support are under Scottish control?

 

Hundreds to celebrate International Women’s Day at Holyrood

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Hundreds of women from diverse backgrounds will gather in the Scottish Parliament today at a conference to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The conference, which is an annual event, aims to celebrate women’s achievements and increase the participation and involvement of women in influencing policy.

Deputy Presiding Officer Elaine Smith MSP, who will chair the event, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming women from across Scotland to the Parliament to celebrate their many achievements and to give recognition to the role that women play in society. Every year, I am impressed by the inspirational stories of women who are given a platform at this event to share their experiences from their own unique perspective.”

The Scottish Parliament has held an event to mark International Women’s Day every year since 2005. The event is organised by the Scottish Women’s Convention, which works to develop ways to ensure women can influence the strategies and policies which affect them. The SWC has a network of over 300,000 women, including women in business, churches, trades unions and voluntary organisations.

This year’s speakers include: 

  • Agnes Tolmie – Chair of the Scottish Women’s Convention and an active campaigner in the women’s movement for over thirty years.
  • Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP – First Minister.
  • Saima Lawson – student and mother;
  • Emma Park – member of the Young Voices for Change Group.
  • Miriam O’Reilly, former BBC journalist and ageism campaigner; and
  • Ruth Wishart – journalist and broadcaster.

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Auld Reekie to face Cambridge Rollerbillies

Tickets to the next Auld Reekie Roller Girls game just £5 when you sign up to the league’s newsletter

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ARRG’s all-women roller derby team the All-Star Reserves hope to hit, whip and skate their way to victory against Cambridge Rollerbillies when they clash this Saturday. 

The game will bring all the big hits and speedy skating to fans rooting for the Edinburgh girls to complete an Oxbridge double, after beating an Oxford team last month.

All Star Reserves’ captain Kiki said: “We’re so pumped for the last All Star Reserves game of the season and can’t wait to channel our amazing training into this game!”

However, the Cambridge team comes fresh from winning the Heartland Series tournament of 24 English and Welsh teams, with a stunning 184-59 score against Plymouth City Roller Girls. The Cambridge skaters have proved themselves fit, speedy and strong and are sure to bring their new skills and strategy to their game against Auld Reekie.

The All-Star Reserves hope to get loud support from the Edinburgh crowd on their home ground at Meadowbank Sports Centre in a fast and fierce demonstration of athleticism on wheels.

Supporters can also snap up merchandise and tuck into home-made cakes at the game on Saturday (28 February) from 2pm.

Tickets for Auld Reekie Roller Girls’ All Star Reserves vs Cambridge Rollerbillies are £8 on the door or £7 from the Brown Paper Tickets website. (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1017167)

Free entry for children aged under 14 and only £5 if you sign up to the ARRG newsletter on the arrg.co.uk website.

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More Scots women move into work

‘a strong economy will help tackle the inequality that blights our society’ – John Swinney

Businesswomen working on laptop.Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary John Swinney has today welcomed news that 2014 has been another encouraging and buoyant year for Scotland, according to employment statistics covering the period Aug-Oct 2014.

Female participation and youth employment are seen as the key successes of 2014.

The level of youth unemployment in Scotland has fallen by over 26 per cent in the last 12 months and is now at its lowest in the last five years, alongside a fall in the overall Scottish unemployment rate.

Latest Labour Market Statistics show female employment has risen by 46,000 over the year to reach 1,288,000 – the highest female employment level on record.

The number of women claiming Jobseekers Allowance fell by 8,900 over the year. At 27,900 it is at its lowest level since February 2009.

Scotland has a higher female employment rate than the UK – with the Scottish rate 3.2 percentage points above the UK rate. Scotland also has a lower female unemployment rate and higher female participation rate than the UK.

Mr Swinney said: “2014 has seen Scotland consistently outperform the UK on employment, unemployment and inactivity rates and Scotland’s economy continues to go from strength to strength.

“A real success story over the last year is increasing female participation and the narrowing gender gap in employment rates. Over the last two years, the gap between male and female employment rates has narrowed in Scotland, unlike the UK – with the gap closing by 3.6 percentage points in Scotland.

“As the Scottish economy grows our task is to ensure that everyone is able to benefit from that economic success. It is a top priority of this government to tackle the inequalities that blight our society, and by strengthening and stabilising our economy with an active and engaged workforce we can go a long way to make that happen.

“With discussion on further powers for the Scottish Parliament now taking place it is essential that we have the full tools we need to support employment opportunities for everyone in Scotland.”

Women: Breaking the Mould at Royston Wardieburn

BREAKING THE MOULD

Breaking

 

Breaking the Mould is a new project which aims to record and celebrate inspirational women from North Edinburgh who have made a difference to the lives of others locally, nationally, internationally. The North Edinburgh project is looking to find women from the community who have ‘broken the mould’, and who will be featured in an Edinburgh wide publication.

We are trying to find out and learn more about local women of North Edinburgh, who did/ are doing amazing and remarkable things for their community and who we feel can inspire women and girls today and in the future. To do this we are discussing women from the North Edinburgh area who are or were engaged in a range of social and political campaigns, including women’s involvement in the recent Scottish Independence Referendum. Other areas of women’s activism that will be looked at are throughout the 20th century looking at the 1960s and 70s, the war years and the women’s suffrage movement.

At the moment we are chatting about what we mean by a women having ‘broken the mould’.

The group of women meet every Wednesday from 11 – 1pm in Royston Wardieburn Community Centre. A free crèche is provided for participants’ children. Free Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

If you would like more information or to join the group please call Lynn McCabe at Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre on 552 5700 or Janette Bond, from the Workers’ Education Association on 225 2580.

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Women: ask Elaine anything at North Edinburgh Arts!

Actress and comedian Elaine C Smith will visit North Edinburgh Arts on Saturday at 11.30am to talk to women about the referendum, life, anything!

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Elaine is a commited YES supporter of course, so in the interests of balance we should point out that other voting options are available!