On Wednesday 8 March, UNISON delegates from across the UK celebrated International Women’s Day in Glasgow.
The day-long event, organised by the Scottish region, included a walking tour of women’s organising and trade union history in Glasgow, a workshop on how to tackle sexual harassment at work and in the union movement and a panel discussion on the achievements of Scottish Black women.
Addressing attendees on the day, UNISON Scottish secretary Tracey Dalling said: “We come together to celebrate each other. We draw breath as we push on in achieving equality and equity not just for ourselves but for the women coming after us.
“Never ever pull up the ladder. As we say in Glasgow, there’s always room for a wee one.”
The evening’s entertainment featured live music from Yvonne Leon (pictured), Soundsational choir, Shaz Martin and Broghan.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “We all rely on women workers every day, and they carried us all through the pandemic. Their work is often undervalued and underpaid, but UNISON knows the true value.”
UNISON project lead Beth Bickerstaffe said: “The event was designed to celebrate the contributions of UNISON women and women throughout trade union history.
“It’s important that the union movement celebrates and values our women activists and makes sure to invigorate those who are normally on the frontline defending our members.”
UNISON is the largest women’s organisation in the UK, representing over one million members.
