Community Women in Scotland

At the recent STUC Women’s Conference, which took place in Glasgow, Scotland’s trade union women made it clear: they’re organised, mobilised, and demanding better. STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer highlighted that from care strikes to anti-racism solidarity, their new manifesto is a rallying cry for justice, equality and real change ahead of the Holyrood elections.

As Community member Pearl Abernethy proudly took to the stage after an eventful and busy year sitting as the STUC Women’s Committee Chair, the room filled with solidarity as women from all corners of Scotland came together, rolled up their sleeves and got to work, addressing the many injustices and inequalities facing women in Scotland today. You can read more about Pearl’s experiences as the STUC Women’s here.

Community’s delegation – Caroline McDonald, Angela Carrigan, Chigozie Joe-Adigwe, Roksana Brzezinska, Ramatu Umar Bako, and Jane Green – successfully moved Community’s motions on addressing the gender pay gap and improving maternity and parental rights. They also spoke in support of other unions on many important motions ensuring that the STUC prioritises issues that matter the most to women in Scotland.

The Community delegation were joined by Community visitors and officers: Catherine Leary McCready (Branch Secretary for Northern Ireland); Helen Osgood (National Secretary for Education and Early Years and Operations Director); Tiffany Gillies (Assistant Operations Director); and Jennifer Dean (Head of Equalities).

You can read what they said below:

“It’s been an amazing experience hearing about the brilliant work being done to improve women’s rights. It’s a privilege to be among such brilliant women!” – Ramatu Umar Bako

“It was fabulous to see so many amazing strong women speaking up and standing up each other!” – Helen Osgood

“It was great to see our Pearl, the first Community Union member to Chair the STUC Women’s Committee Conference. So proud of her. She did a great job.” – Angela Carrigan

“An absolutely inspiring 2 days! Lots to think about and feeling empowered and ready for anything.” – Jane Green

“This conference was the rallying call needed at this time. The solidarity, support and resilience was immense and was great to be part of Community’s delegation. Pearl chaired with structure and good cheer in equal measure. Thanks very much Community sisters!” – Chigozie Joe Adigwe

“My very first time at a women’s conference. I was so impressed: great delegates, very interesting debates surrounding the motions,I enjoyed the panel this morning, and of course spending time with all my dear friends from Community, thank you so much everyone.” – Catherine Leary McCready

“A wonderful opportunity to spend time with strong, empowered women committed to improving the lives of others through a strong union movement.” – Caroline McDonald

“The energy in the room was brilliant. You leave feeling encouraged and reminded that you’re not on your own; there are so many of us trying to make things better.” – Roksana Brzezinska

“At Community, we were proud to stand alongside our delegation to the Women’s STUC conference, who are stepping up – championing equality, defending rights, and creating safer workplaces for women everywhere.” – Jennifer Dean