Human Rights are Women’s Rights

Womanifesto

Women for Independence’s National Committee committed to developing a Womanifesto for Independence, with human rights at its heart.

Women for Independence is an open and diverse network of women who aim to improve the representation of women in public and political life throughout Scotland.

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Women are 52% of the population but only 32% of local councillors in Scotland

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of childcare and early years workers in Scotland are women

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of Chartered Civil Engineers in Scotland are women

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We wouldn't be able to do it without you.

We promote the causes of Scottish independence and other constitutional changes likely to contribute to greater democracy and home-rule for Scotland, gender equality and social justice. We do this through a network of individuals and organised groups across Scotland, and by working to increase women’s political engagement, nationally and in communities.

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Today in parliament, the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill heard from people speaking against the introduction of safe access zones. We listened, so you didn't have to...The first speaker recounted her gratitude for being talked out of an #abortion at the gate to the clinic.She used strongly emotive language to describe her situation at the time:...Single...Abandoned...Facing Unemployment...No financial/emotional supportThen, she was given a leaflet by one of the protestors and she decided not to have an abortion. She didn't explain how it fixed all her problems and made it possible for her to continue her pregnancy.What she didn't say was that the protest group paid for her to continue her pregnancy - something we imagine would not be possible for them to do in every case. She mentioned the payment in the anti-bufferzone article she wrote for The Critic in 2009. We won't provide a URL to the site, but you should find it fairly easily if you want to fact-check.We are of course pleased that the speaker managed to have the child she wanted. But just because protest groups helped her, it doesn't mean the majority of women attending a clinic would be pleased to see them outside it. And while we applaud anyone giving financial help to pregnant women, we do wonder why and good faith organisation would initiate this at an abortion clinic, where surely the vast majority will not be in need of those services - as they're having an abortion? The speaker argues that protest should be allowed because it's patronising to assume women can't make up their own minds. We would argue that, by the time they are at the clinic, they already have.It's almost as though the women are secondary to the desire of the protestors to stop the abortion. To decide a woman's future for her. And in some cases, to offer her nothing but abuse.We support every woman's right to choose. But for this to be a reality, she must be able to assess her options without pressure. #BufferZones around clinics will help to enforce this - and groups offering actual pregnancy support can continue in a more appropriate location. ... See MoreSee Less
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Women in Conflict: Surviving, then thriving.How do we recover from the trauma of war? What are the particular challenges faced by women in conflict? This Saturday in Edinburgh, join Edinburgh Women for Independence online, or in-person, for an inspiring & thought-provoking international event.☮️♀️🤍☮️♥️♀️For more info, email edinburghwfi@gmail dot com ... See MoreSee Less
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Councillor Fatima Joji on gender equality in politics: “Women are there, and they are getting involved in organising and local groups, but there is definitely still a glass ceiling when it comes to the front-facing side, and we find that its men that get the platform there that women have helped build.”This #IWD2024, we're thinking of our own circles - at work, or in our private lives - and assessing which areas need more equal representation. 🚀 So, let’s break those glass ceilings, rewrite narratives, and lift each other up! 🌟👭 #IWD2024 #Sisterhood ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy International Women's Day!Spread love, lift spirits, and keep championing equality! 🙌🏾❤️ #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion ... See MoreSee Less
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