Voting women - women’s voices and political participation in Scotland from Parliament to Indyref and beyond

Have you ever wondered what role women have played in Scottish politics since the opening of the Scottish Parliament or been told that politics and political participation are a “man’s game”? 

Join female activists, campaigners, and experts for a discussion on contemporary Scottish politics and the role of women within it and reflect on your own political participation, opportunities as well as continued exclusions of women in politics through open discussion and creative practices.

The event will open with reflections on the foundation and history of the Scottish Parliament and the independence referendum. It will draw attention to the role of female politicians, activists, campaigners, and voters in shaping Scottish politics since 1997. Following on from these reflections, you will be invited to reflect on your own political voice, how you may participate politically and what barriers you have faced in doing so. We will use creative methods (including creative writing, crafts etc.) to reflect on where our own political voices and activism can manifest - participants are invited to reflect on this by creating their own zine.

Event details

The first 45 minutes of the event will feature a roundtable discussion with female campaigners, activist, and experts. Speakers include:

• Jessie Duncan (Engender)
• Professor Meryl Kenny (Professor of Gender and Politics, University of Edinburgh)
• Esther Roberton (Expert in civic, corporate and constitutional governance)

This will provide an engaging introduction to recent Scottish political history and the place of women within it - as voters and politicians. It will address the continued absences of female voices in Scottish politics in a year that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament and the 10th anniversary of the referendum on Scottish independence. There will also be an opportunity to see related material from the National Library of Scotland’s collections, including items currently being catalogued as part of the ‘Scottish Women Waging Peace’ project, which is uncovering hidden stories of women activists in the archives.

Following on from a tea break, the second 45 minutes of the event will invite participants to reflect on their own political voice and various forms of political participation through creative means. By opening the discussion to different perspectives on political participation and voice, the event will invite members of the public who are often excluded from or unheard in public political debate to reflect on their political role and provide an alternative space for them to make their voices heard. 

Who’s leading the event? 

The event is run by Dr Maike Dinger, Postdoctoral Researcher at Bournemouth University and the University of Stirling. Joining her are various activists, campaigners and experts in the field to discuss recent political developments and the role of women in and for Scottish politics. 

Who should attend the event?

The event is open to adults, specifically by and for women. It's tailored to women from all backgrounds, living in Scotland. It will be of particular interest to those who would like to learn more about Scottish politics, including first-time voters and young adults who identify as women. It invites both those who are interested in politics and those who often feel ignored by or excluded from politics to reflect on their own place within (or outside of) political debate as well as different forms of political participation. 

Booking details

Book your place now. The deadline for booking is 24 hours before the event starts.

This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024.