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Join us at the Pearce Institute, Glasgow for an All Women General Election National Hustings and our AGM

WFI are delighted to be in Glasgow for our AGM and national hustings.   

We have invited* the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Greens, Scottish Labour, Scottish Lib Dems, Scottish National Party, Scottish Socialist Party and the Women's Equality Party to send a woman as a representative of their party.  Dr Lesley Orr will be chairing the hustings.  Lesley (right) is a member of the WFI National Committee and is not a member of any political party.  All women are invited to attend, you do not need to be a member of WFI or a WFI supporter.

As of 3pm Friday 22 November 2019, we have had confirmed acceptances from all the parties except the Scottish Conservatives who are not coming.  We are awaiting the confirmed name of the speaker for one party who earlier confirmed they would send a speaker. 

*This will be a selective hustings in line with Electoral Commission guidelines.  This means that we have not asked every party or independent that is standing in Scotland to attend.  

Why an all women hustings? 

Topics that women want discussed are less likely to be heard at election time where men's voices dominate so this is an opportunity for women to come together in a respectful space and discuss the topics they want highlighted.  In line with all WFI events, it doesn't matter if we don't all agree, it's about having a place where women can discuss and debate positively and without hearing shouting or disrespect.  So if you have never been to a WFI meeting, whatever your politics, then you will find it does not operate in the same way as most of politics. 

So what's the plan for the day? 

Speakers will all be given time to address the audience and then we will have questions and answers.  Not everyone likes to stand up and speak in public so there will also be the chance to write your question down and have someone else ask it for you if you would prefer.  

How will it look? 

For a start, the room will not be laid out in rows but with tables and chairs so you can relax with a tea or coffee and if you need or want to bring children, they can sit at the table with you rather than being stuck in the middle of a row of adults.  There will be space between tables so if you or someone you are with needs room to move about, then they can.  There are lots of reasons why you might need to do this e.g. space needed for mobility, children wanting to get up and move around or the need to stretch your own legs/stand up/move because of aches and pains...the list goes on!

What You Need To Know

Tickets

This is a free to attend meeting open to all women.  You do not need to be a member or supporter of WFI to attend.  We are asking everyone to register their place.  This is partly so we have a list of who is attending for fire safety but also so we can send you any updates about the day.  It's unlikely that there will be any changes but we can't let you know if we have no contact details.  If you don't register, you can turn up on the day but we can't guarantee your place.  You can register for a place by clicking here.

Agenda for the Day

AGM - Doors open at noon and a short AGM session will take place from 12.15-12.30.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Hustings Only - If you only want to attend the hustings, doors open at 12.30pm with the hustings taking place between 1-3pm.

Informal - You are welcome to stay and chat with new friends and old from 3-3.30pm.  This 30 mins will not have any planned activity but we are also offering candidates the chance to wait and talk informally with folk if they have the time to do so.

Venue Room

The meeting will take place in the McLeod Hall.

Who Can Attend?

The meeting is open to all self identified women. You do not need to be a member of Women for Independence to attend. If you need to bring a carer to support you then they are very welcome but please register them for a ticket too. If your carer is a man then he is also welcome. If you care for another adult or children then you are very welcome to bring them along. We do not provide a creche for children so they will need to remain with you during the event.  Register for tickets here.

Registration

On arrival, please confirm your name.  You do not have to physically print off your confirmation email as we will have a list of those who have booked.

Refreshments

There will be drinks and biscuits available for free.  We will have tables set out along with chairs so you don't need to balance a cup on your knee.  If you can afford to give us a small donation towards the cost of the refreshments then we will be very grateful.  However this is only if you can afford to do so.

Accessibility

There is a disabled entrance as well as disabled parking at the side of the building. Our event takes place on the ground floor. There are disabled toilets. 

Filming/Photography

There will be people taking photographs/filming on the day including a media outlet.  If you do not want to be part of filming, that is fine but it is your responsibility to make sure you are not in shot.  We always try our best to respect your wishes but we cannot guarantee you will not appear.

Getting There

The Pearce Institute is well served by public transport.  Govan Subway station is only a couple of minutes walk away and there are several buses that will take you to the venue.  Check out Traveline Scotland for full details.   If you are coming by car then there is on-street parking or you could consider parking at one the the subway park and ride stops. 

Stalls

Edinburgh WFI will have a stall at the event. 

Donations

WFI is committed to offering all women the opportunity to participating at its meetings.  There is a cost to WFI in holding meetings though so if you want to support WFI to continue to hold these events and you can afford to do so, there will be a donation box available on the day.