W@W Topic of the Month

February 2009

International Women in the Highlands - global meets local  

  
Each year on 8th March, women everywhere take time to acknowledge and to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women. International Women’s Day was first launched in 1911 in Copenhagen and since then, this annual event has connected women from across the globe, inspiring them to achieve their potential and to recognise their collective power; past, present and future. We are all aware of the huge strides made by women around the world and the many positive role models that exist. Yet we must not forget the arenas in which inequality still exists. Globally, health, education, politics, business, workplaces and even homes still require a more level playing field and the chance for real equality of opportunity to exist. We women have a lot to celebrate on 8th March, but still a lot more to achieve.

Events both large and small will be taking place in all corners of the globe and here in Inverness, we invite you to join us at our International Women’s Day event on 7th March at Merkinch Community Centre from 11 – 3pm. Programme details will follow shortly - see the Diary on the website.

Closer to home, it is fascinating to reflect on our changing population with its more international complexion. Latest figures from schools in Highland show that over 700 young people speak at least one of 61 languages other than English or Gaelic in their home. Over the past five years, estimates show that the Highlands have welcomed as many as 8000 Eastern European migrants into our communities as they have come to work and make a new life here.

Women everywhere can be counted on to work creatively to help foster community cohesion and integration. Locally, in Inverness we have been assisted by skilled and committed women from many nationalities. What better time to showcase their activities than International Women’s Day. Here are but a few of the women who have worked with the WEA and the W@W project and are making a difference in our communities.

Farah Khavari, a long-standing WEA tutor has led the International Women’s Group for many years. She has also supported the WEA Common Threads sewing group and along with many others, has been a mainstay in the colourful, festive Diversity Days. Women@Work have asked her to begin work with a group of recently arrived Fijian women, to support them as they find their way in their new culture. Farah is a member of the growing Baha’i community in Inverness.

Uma Reddy is closely involved with the Indian Association, planning events and raising the profile of the growing Indian population in the Highlands. Shameena Yusaf and Shiria Rashid are very committed and work hard to support all involved in the Highland Muslim Women’s Association.

Monica Lee Macpherson leads SHIMCA, the local Chinese Association and together they have just organised Chinese New Year celebrations. An ongoing Chinese Lunch Club for seniors, a growing role of processing visas for visitors to China, along with establishing a new centre in central Inverness, are all tasks that keep Monica more than busy.

Marta Chaba is much in demand at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Inverness offering money advice and information regarding employment, housing and other pertinent issues to the Polish and wider Eastern European community.

Renata Grove from the Czech Republic has embarked on a new role as International Guidance officer working form Inverness College and supporting career progression among the minority ethnic community members.

Four Community Based Language Assistants, all from Eastern Europe support families as they attempt to integrate into the Highlands.

As is clear, these women among many others offer us a window on the wider world, help enrich our communities, and through their efforts support the integration of newcomers to the Highlands. International Women’s day has much to highlight on the global stage, but also here closer to home.

Useful links:

Supporting Inward Migration in Highland
Ethnic Minority Women Councillors' Taskforce 

Contributed by Hilary Lawson, W@W Advisory Group