For this year’s International Women’s Day I am glad to see that the topic of “ending gender-based violence” has been continued from 2023 into 2024.
I am not glad that it has to be continued, however, and it would be good if the topic can stop being brought forward in the next few years.
I want a better life my two daughters and all girls growing up. I want them to be able to go about their business and lives without the fear of any kind of violence against them.
On this International Women’s Day, I also would like us to remember Emma Caldwell who 19 years ago was killed by a complete monster who also made the lives of many other women in Scotland unbearable through violence and criminal acts.
Please also think about Emma’s Mother who has suffered the last 19 years waiting for justice for her daughter. As a mother, I want to get through my life without ever having to suffer like Mrs Caldwell has – and I hope that she can get peace when she sees the system change towards equality for women and the way violence against women and girls is dealt with in Scotland.
I am lucky that on International Women’s Day, I will be able to support the fantastic work that Street Soccer Scotland do for women and girls, who may not have had the same opportunities as me or the opportunities that hopefully my daughters will have. If you can support Street Soccer or anything that helps improve the lives of women and girls in Scotland please do it, and not just on International Women’s Day.