The remarkable women who have shaped Glasgow and drive change in our country inspire me every day. Whether it was Mary Barbour campaigning for housing rights over a century ago or the women working today to make our public transport safer for all, Mother Glasgow has nurtured many phenomenal women.
As we approach International Women's Day on Friday, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has led me to represent the vibrant and diverse communities of Greater Pollok in Glasgow. It's a journey filled with unexpected moments, challenges, and triumphs but, above all, it's a journey inspired by these amazing women.
When I was elected to represent Greater Pollok in May 2022, I never imagined that my first motion in the City Chambers would be delivered in the Kurdish Sorani language, in honour of Kurdish woman Zhina Mahsa Amini brutally murdered by the Iranian regime for wearing her clothes wrongly.
Motivated by the rich diversity and untapped potential of my local ward, I am proud to work alongside communities to address decades of neglect and injustice. From challenging the unholy alliance of Tory ministers and a Labour council to advocating for equal pay for women, our fight for equality and fairness knows no bounds. One of SNP Glasgow’s first actions was resolving historical equal pay claims.
As the only female councillor in my ward, I am acutely aware of the hurdles that women in politics face. Whether it's navigating everyday sexism or battling imposter syndrome, the road to equality is fraught with challenges. Yet, in the face of adversity, I have found strength and solidarity among a network of remarkable women.
From advocating for abortion rights to spearheading initiatives like Girls@COP26 and promoting feminist urbanism to design our cities around women's needs, Glasgow's women are at the forefront of change. Whether it is Donna Foote, celebrated for her tireless community work during the pandemic, or Gehan Macleod, inspiring future generations through environmental activism, or Pauline Gilgallon who has been working on Good Food Scotland – a pioneering community local food plan in Pollok – women are leading the way.
Then there's Bailie Annette Christie, who envisioned the international award-winning Girls@COP26 initiative which involved 2,500 girls in developing feminist solutions with local and global experts. Led by my fellow Glasgow Girl Amal Azzudin – one of seven of us who highlighted the poor treatment of asylum seekers from 2005 – who has continued to involve the girls through Girls4Equality groups under councillor Christina Cannon in the development of the future city development plan.
As we honour the women who have left an indelible mark on Glasgow, it's impossible to overlook the profound impact of the leader who most inspired me, Nicola Sturgeon. Her leadership and determination steered Scotland through Covid and she also served as a beacon of inspiration for women across the nation, including myself.
Women like Nicola Sturgeon remind us of the power of representation and the importance of women's voices in shaping the future of our communities and our country. Their resilience and determination pave the way for a new generation of women leaders, encouraging us to pursue careers in politics and beyond.
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A women’s place is not just a Room of One's Own, as Virginia Woolf called for, as important as these spaces are, but a right to decide where and how she wants to live.
Whether it was Mary Barbour campaigning for housing rights in 1915 or councillor Anna Richardson, convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, working with female council transport officers, and the Maryhill Women’s Centre to bring a feminist lens to today's active travel plans, Glasgow has nurtured many phenomenal women. Women that I meet every day.
As a Bailie I work alongside Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren who has prioritised women’s rights by signing the city up to the Carter Center Inform Women, Transform Lives Cities Campaign, to make sure women can find information that enables them, their families, and their communities to thrive, access public services and participate in decision-making.
It’s important to stand up to stereotypes that a woman’s role is at home, to care for their partner and elderly parents, and to nurture children. On average, women spend around three times more time on unpaid care and domestic work than men. International women’s day is not just a day to appreciate women, it’s a day to recognise the unique qualities and strength of women.
Yet, we must also acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by women across the country. From the 1950s-born women fighting against the state pension inequality (WASPI) inflicted on them by an uncaring UK government to the persistent gender pay gap in the workplace and the awful ‘two-child limit’ benefits policy of the Tories, the battle for equality is far from over.
Not all women choose to go into politics. Most of the Glasgow Girls I went to school with have gone on to live life out of the public eye, in a range of careers, active in their communities, or raising future Glasgow Girls – and Glasgow Boys.
It's commonplace today to talk of toxic masculinity. It is a fact, but it’s also important to recognise nurturing masculinity. To misquote, Annie Lennox, behind every great woman, there had to be a man involved! And it’s not just as parents – we Glasgow Girls would have been very different young women without Mr Girvan, our teacher who inspired us to be cheeky wee besoms.
As I reflect on the life, death and legacy of Zhina Mahsa Amini, whose words "Woman, Life, Freedom" continue to inspire me, I am reminded of the importance of amplifying women's voices in all spaces of decision-making. From the City Chambers to our communities, let us ensure that women's voices are heard.
I would like to dedicate this column to my own mother, who instilled in me the values of courage, resilience, and empowerment. Her unwavering commitment to women's rights continues to inspire me, and I am proud to carry on her legacy as a champion for equality and justice.
As we look to the future, let us continue to celebrate the extraordinary women who have shaped Glasgow and inspired us all. Whether through murals or monuments, let us ensure that their contributions are remembered and honoured for generations to come.
Which Glasgow women do you think deserve to be on a mural?
Roza Salih is an SNP councillor for Greater Pollok
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