I HAD the privilege to attend two amazing events in one day last week, one which focused on Dee Bradbury, the president of the Scottish Rugby Union – a woman who through her appointment to the top role in Scottish rugby, sends out a clear message on what can be achieved by empowering women.
The other event, run by Zero Tolerance, presented five awards under the banner of Write to End Violence Against Women and included a sports category. Both aimed at a different audience, highlighting the inequality that still exists in sport and society at large, yet both were as important as they aimed to raise awareness of women who achieve despite adversity.
Dee is the SRU’s first female president, which is quite enviable accolade indeed.
She is not alone as she will be joined later next year by Sue Strachan, who will become the first female president of Cricket Scotland.
Both of these women have achieved these heights through a voting system, not through old boys’ networks, but through hard work, dedication, passion and knowledge.
With Zero Tolerance unfortunately there are no firsts left, as so many women over the years have suffered violence from the hands of men.
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However, this organisation and their awards night also presented us with stories of bravery, courage and determination, again by women who have become strong through the most difficult of circumstances and now tell their stories to help prevent others from facing the same. Equality in sport should mean that women are safe and welcomed to participate in all levels of society and their contribution should be valued.
As we now recognise and celebrate some of the achievements of women it was great to read this week that the Hibernian Historical Trust and the Hibernian Supporters Association unveiled a plaque to mark the world’s first women’s international football match at Easter Road between Scotland and England in 1881.
Many gems like this are unknown and I look forward to hearing more about the past of our women athletes.
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