Bridging Inequalities through Collaboration
8th March 2025
Our Partnership and Membership Coordinator, Lynn Williams, reflects on the inequalities women face and the benefits of building connections as we mark this year’s International Women’s Day on 8th March.
Marking International Women’s Day
In politics, in public bodies, and in other fields, we see more and more women in senior roles. A female Chancellor, a female First Minister, and three female Prime Ministers have served in this country – although, admittedly, one of those was only in post for a short time.
It’s clear to those of us who’ve have worked in the voluntary sector for a while that the structural inequalities that have affected women for generations are becoming increasingly entrenched. Whilst we celebrate the glass ceiling splintering a bit, the reality is that more women in senior political positions hasn’t necessarily led to better lives for other women.
Structural inequalities faced by women
We see this daily on the frontline – women who have been hit hard by years of austerity, benefits changes and cuts to public services.
Disabled women face additional living costs not reflected in the benefits they receive – and accessing your entitlements can be traumatic and distressing.
Social care cuts mean that women are more likely to give up work to care – or move to low-paid, part-time jobs to balance their caring responsibilities. Our economy and Government policy are not serving women well on many different measures.
The power of collaboration
Some of this was raised articulately and forcefully when GCVS members recently met two new Glasgow MPs. Another issue that emerged was the impact of health and social care waiting lists and the discrimination women can face in accessing timely and appropriate health care.
Charities such as Menopause Warriors Scotland and the Scottish Women’s Convention spoke up loudly about the barriers and challenges they see every day in their work. However, in that same space, we saw these organisations making positive connections with each other for the benefit of the people and communities they serve.
Menopause Warriors and Epilepsy Connections connected over how epilepsy is affected by menopause, sharing experiences, learning and exploring opportunities for joint working. Menopause Warriors told us:
“Being part of the GCVS partnership enables us to connect and establish great networking relationships with other third-sector organisations.”
As we reflect on International Women’s Day here at GCVS, we want to celebrate those organisations that exist to help women in poverty or fleeing domestic violence, providing many hours of unpaid care or battling to have women’s health issues recognised and better treated.
Happy International Women’s Day – let’s continue to fight for a better future for all women and girls.
Find out more:
Menopause Warriors Scotland was founded in 2018. Their mission is to provide free perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause awareness and raise how low hormones can impact your health. They’re here to support everyone, no matter your age!
They provide information, guidance, and a friendly ear, especially for women from low-income households. They also offer support on how women can approach healthcare providers or to discuss menopause management.
Epilepsy Connections was founded in 2000 by people who who saw the need for an organisation committed to supporting people with epilepsy and their families and carers, and to raising awareness about epilepsy and its impact.
They began in Glasgow and have since extended their reach to Greater Glasgow Clyde and Forth Valley. Their purpose is to help people affected by epilepsy to develop resilience and independence so that they can take charge of their condition and live full lives.
Find out more here about International Women’s Day 2025.
And to join future exclusive events, please consider becoming a GCVS member.
Please also read about the Financially Included project that is contributing to Glasgow’s No Wrong Door Approach. They share their ‘Feminist Approach to Service Design’ in our Perfect Partnerships blog.