ABERDEEN City Council is to hold a day to celebrate women in political power later this month.
In partnership with Elect Her, a UK-wide organisation working to motivate, support and equip women from all backgrounds to stand for political office, the council will be hosting the event at the Town House on Saturday 24 June.
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Women who are interested in finding out more are invited to come along and meet politicians, including local Aberdeen councillors, who have benefited from their participation in Elect Her’s work.
Attendees will receive a warm welcome and be able to participate in free workshops and activities exploring democratic participation and hearing the positive and inspiring stories of women in elected office, both in person and live-streamed from the Scotland’s Women Gather event at the Scottish Parliament.
The Aberdeen event has been organised by Councillor Kate Blake, who will be attending along with Councillors Karin Van Sweden and Miranda Radley.
Councillor Radley said: ““Women are underrepresented in elected politics and this Elect Her event is aiming to help change that.
“We have a diverse population in Scotland but that isn’t reflected in our parliaments and council chambers. Decisions are being made that affect all of our lives, but far too many people can’t see anyone like them, or with their life experiences, playing a part in reaching those decisions.”
“I am looking forward to sharing my experience as an Aberdeen City Councillor and I hope that can make some difference in encouraging more women to enter politics.”
Councillor Blake said: “I would encourage any woman who is interested in politics to come along to the event and find out, in a relaxed informal environment, what Elect Her brings – women supporting women regardless of political affiliation.
“One of my friends, who works in public affairs pointed me in the direction of Elect Her and I signed up. On my application, I said I was thinking of running for council in 2027. Not 2022, but 2027.
“Clearly the support from Elect Her was more effective than I expected, because here I am a councillor!”
The free event is open to all women who would like to explore becoming a leader, legislator and champion of Scotland’s political governance.
To join, visit:
Aberdeen’s Women Gather 2023 Tickets, Sat 24 Jun 2023 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
