CHALLENGES to “toxic” cultures that devalue and degrade women will be discussed at a conference this weekend.
Equalities Secretary Angela Constance and former leader of Labour in Scotland Kezia Dugdale are amongst the speakers confirmed for the Scottish Women’s Convention (SWC) event on Saturday.
Organised in light of the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse and harassment scandal and the global #metoo campaign, the event will focus on finding answers for institutional sexism in Scotland.
Holyrood’s Public Standards Committee began an investigation after allegations of misconduct against MSPs and parliamentary staff.
Labour’s Monica Lennon was the most high profile woman to speak out, while the SNP’s Mark McDonald stood down from his role as Children’s Minister over allegations of wrongdoing.
The SWC says its event comes as women around the world continue to share “experiences of the serious, objectifying and very real harassment they have faced, and continue to face, at all levels of society”.
Activist Pauline Rourke, of the Communication Workers Union, and comedian Susan Morrison will also address the four-hour SWC event at the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel in Glasgow.
Organisers said: “Women will have the opportunity to share their stories and experiences under the #metoo hashtag, as well as discussing what needs to be done to bring about real change.”
Agnes Tolmie, chair of the SWC, expressed solidarity with women who have gone public with their experiences of abuse and harassment.
Emphasising the need for practical solutions, she said: “The Scottish Women’s Convention stand with our sisters who have bravely spoken out.
"We want to ensure that no voice goes unheard. As well as this, we need to look forward, considering how best to tackle the institutional sexism which allows bullying, harassment and abuse to continue on a daily basis.
“This type of behaviour fosters toxic atmospheres and cultures which must be challenged and eradicated in order to further advance gender equality across all walks of life.”
Funded by Holyrood, the SWC was established in 2003 by the then-Scottish Executive to ensure female voices are heard by politicians and legislators. It works to develop ways in which women in Scotland can influence the policies which affect them.
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