The Scottish Women’s Convention and the Scottish Parliament are holding an event as part of International Women’s Day, 8th of March, in the Scottish Parliament’s ‘virtual chamber’.

The experiences of those working at the heart of tackling the pandemic, including Erin Moffat, a critical care nurse; Cynthia Osayamwen, a care assistant; Clare McInally, a trade unionist; Mary Boyd, a student nurse and Pam Duncan-Glancy, a disability, equality and human rights activist, will be heard.

Women of all ages, and from across Scotland are being invited to sign up for this free event and to listen to a line-up of interesting and engaging speakers, who have all played vital roles in the fight against coronavirus.

Click on this link here to register for the free event: International Women’s Day 2021

It runs from 6pm to 8pm.

The event will be chaired by Linda Fabiani, Deputy Presiding Officer.

She said;

“Women have undoubtedly risen to the many challenges that Covid-19 has thrown at them, often juggling so many different priorities, at home, at work and in their communities.  I am delighted that this event will allow us a virtual platform from which to celebrate and recognise their many achievements.

“This annual event is usually held in our Debating Chamber, with hundreds of women joining us in person. Whilst we can’t do that this year, we will continue to help support women, acknowledging the challenges they face and their collective hopes and aspirations for the future.”

Other speakers addressing the event will include:

• Linda Bauld, Professor of Public Health, The University of Edinburgh;
• Elaine C Smith, one of Scotland’s best-known performers;
• Monica Lennon MSP, Scottish Labour Party spokesperson on Economy & Fair Work;
• Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Security & Older People;
• Alison Johnstone MSP, Co-leader of the Scottish Green Party;
• Caron Lindsay, Scottish Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Equalities.
• Margaret Mitchell MSP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety.

Those attending will also hear a pre-recorded video message from the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP.

Agnes Tolmie, Chair, Scottish Women’s Convention, said;

“This year our event is being held online and this enables us as an organisation to reach out to more women than ever before bringing women together from different cultures and backgrounds across Scotland and Internationally to celebrate all of their achievements during the current Pandemic. 

“The SWC have been showcasing Women in Scotland’s contributions since January with daily nominations in the run up to this event and what it has highlighted is the far-ranging achievements of women during one of the most difficult periods in our history.  

“Women make up more than 50 per cent of the Scottish population and have been hardest hit by COVID but looking at the wonderful work Women in Scotland have been doing, we thought we should use our event to celebrate them. We look forward to an evening of inspiring and motivational contributions which highlight women achievements during this time”