“Despite how far we have come with gender equality, and I do believe here in Scotland that is a long way, bias continues to surround our everyday lives. Breaking it can be difficult. Stereotypes fuel misogyny and women should not have to act or behave in a certain way to conform to these outdated stereotypes”, said Natalie Don MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West), in her contribution to the debate on International Women’s Day in the Scottish Parliament.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is Break the Bias, highlighting that structural barriers and prejudice continue to cause inequality within our society. Break the Bias challenges everyone to take action against prejudice whenever they see it. Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Natalie Don MSP praised the efforts of women during the pandemic and outlined the difficulties many have faced. Natalie also called out the judgements that women face on a daily basis that few man would ever be subject to and made a call to let women be and let them get on with their lives without these daily battles.
Natalie Don MSP added:
“Women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Sectors that women have traditionally worked in were hardest hit and school and nursery closures saw many women’s childcare responsibilities increase. New mothers missed out on many experiences with their little ones and pregnant women have faced a pregnancy like no other with limited or no birthing partner visits, missed antenatal classes, face masks during birth and in general, a level of uncertainty. I know it has been an extremely difficult time for so many women and on International Women’s Day, I wanted to highlight this and pay tribute to every single women for everything you have given during the pandemic.
“Women face judgement, stigma and criticism for everything we do, everything we say or dare to speak about, the clothes we wear, how we style our hair, our weight, our height, how we conduct ourselves on social media… the list is exhausting. Women have a certain way we are expected to behave and whether you are a young girl, a woman, or a mother or grandmother I have no doubt that you have faced this kind of judgement or questioning along the lines of this in the past. I think it is important, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day, to highlight this because it is unjust that women should have to fight these battles on a daily basis.”