Exhibition Highlights Hidden Scotswummin of Influence

Exhibition highlights hidden Scotswummin of influence

NEWS RELEASE – For immediate release: Friday 4 August 2017

Five youth groups across Scotland have reported their findings today on the influential and unrecognised women from their communities, past and present. From historical heroines to firebrand campaigners and women who’ve changed the face of contemporary Scotland and continue to do so.

Over the last six months 56 young people have been working as historical and social investigators, conducting research in their communities to celebrate influential and potentially unnoticed Scotswummin in their communities both now and in the past.

Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon who supports the project believes it’s important we celebrate the achievements of women in our society:

“I am a huge supporter of the #scotswummin campaign that is being led by young people because it’s so important that we give women and young girls the same opportunities in life as men and young boys. Equality across all areas of society is a real passion of mine and I hope that we see greater progress towards genuine equality in all walks in life.”

The young heritage researchers in Dumfries and Galloway uncovered many modern colourful characters who have made a significant contribution to their own communities and internationally. Charity knitter, Ethel Brolls, has spent her spare time knitting for Romanian orphans, she encouraged fellow knitters to join her charity appeal, which has now sent several thousand knitted items to those in need.

Pauline Watkins who set up the Port William Development Trust, Wigtownshire, has delivered countless opportunities and support for local young people over the years.

On the other side of the country, 12 young women from Selkirk High School researched the careers of women in the Borders and discovered many influential #scotswummin who have put the area on the map, from those local women who have fought against sexism in the Borders common ridings culture to actresses Tilda Swinton, Call the Midwife’s Pearl Appleby and Jean Lylywn, a successful actress in the 1900s who was involved in many scandals in her day.

2/ The youth groups include:

PEEK (Glasgow); Falkirk Council; Dumfries and Galloway Council; Cheviot Youth (Scottish Borders) and Penicuik YMCA/YWCA

Hannah Moffat and Anna Fergusson, aged 13, from Penicuik YMCA/YWCA discovered a rare opera talent and a right royal do when they researched the women of achievement on their doorstep. Local retired music teacher and opera singer, Mrs Mitchell and her daughter, who also teaches music, have inspired many young people to realise their musical ambitions. The young investigators also uncovered a celebrity hairdresser, Denise McAdam, who styles the hair of the Royal Family.

Anna says the experience of #scotswummin has taught her a lot:

“It’s helped me realise these women’s achievements and if you really put your mind to something you can do it. We have the same rights as anyone else and women don’t get acknowledged enough for what they achieve.”

Dr Amy Goulding, Joint Project Lead at YouthLink Scotland said: “This project has given us a fantastic insight into numerous women in Scotland who have made an incredible contribution to their communities, to Scotland, and on the world stage, past and present. It is important we empower our young women today with a renewed understanding of feminism and equality, something the youth work sector has a proud history of in Scotland.”

Development Worker, Rachel Thain-Gray of Glasgow Women’s Library believes the #scotswummin project is a timely reflection of the many women, uncelebrated, who have shaped our communities and society:

"By investigating and reporting on women's achievements in their local communities the youth groups involved have not only uncovered hidden histories but raised questions about the how and why of the omission of women's contributions to our communities and wider society. We are really pleased to support the project and proud to provide a permanent home within our collections for this significant community-curated archive on Scottish women's history."

This youth-led research project, Scotswummin, has been delivered by YouthLink Scotland in partnership with Glasgow Women's Library and with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The #scotswummin exhibition can be viewed at Glasgow Women’s Library, and will showcase the many forgotten and uncelebrated women uncovered by the #scotswummin project.

As part of the research project, YouthLink Scotland launched a nationwide campaign, #scotswummin, to encourage people to highlight the achievements of women locally and nationally, from all walks of life, and sign a pledge for equality on www.scotswummin.org.

For media enquiries contact Sarah Paterson, Senior Public Affairs, Media and Communications at YouthLink Scotland on 07804 603762 or 0131 313 2488 and at [email protected] Notes to editors

Information about Heritage Lottery

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. www.hlf.org.uk

Information about Scotswummin

 YouthLink Scotland in partnership with Glasgow Women’s Library has been awarded a grant of £91,300 to deliver youth-led heritage research into Women of Influence in Scottish Communities. YouthLink Scotland Joint Project Leads, Amy Goulding and Lisa Gallacher will oversee the project.  10 youth workers will receive training from YouthLink Scotland and Glasgow Women’s Library on developing youth work skills, youth-led research, and heritage, curating and exhibiting skills. These skills will then be used to support 52 young people to conduct research on influential women in their communities.  The youth groups include: Cheviot Youth, Scottish Borders; Dumfries and Galloway Council; PEEK, Glasgow; Falkirk Council and Penicuik and District YMCA-YWCA.  Young people will also be supported to work towards the Participative Democracy Certificate (SCQF level 5) to recognise and credit young people’s participation in the project.  To run alongside the youth-led research, YouthLink Scotland will also produce a report on Youth Work’s Contribution to the Women’s Movement Since 1850. This will involve primary research with YouthLink Scotland members, partners and the wider the youth work sector, and a historical examination through engagement with the museum and library archives. An all-female steering group with representatives from the youth work sector, academia, women’s groups and young people, will provide advice, guidance and feedback on the direction of the report.  The final report will be donated to Glasgow Women’s Library and the National Library of Scotland, as well as disseminated to the youth work sector.

Information about YouthLink Scotland

 YouthLink Scotland is the national agency for youth work. It is the voice of the youth work sector in Scotland.  It is a membership organisation and is in the unique position of representing the interests and aspirations of the whole of the sector both voluntary and statutory.  YouthLink Scotland champions the role and value of the youth work sector, challenging government at national and local levels to invest in the development of the sector.  YouthLink Scotland represents over 100 organisations, including the 32 Local Authority Youth Work Services and all major national voluntary youth work organisations, which support over 300,000 young people in achieving their potential.  YouthLink Scotland promotes a positive image of Scotland’s young people and seeks to promote their value to communities and society.

Glasgow Women's Library (GWL) Celebrates the lives and achievements of women, and champions their contributions to Scotland’s culture. Open to all, GWL is home to a lending library, archives and historical artefacts relating to women’s lives, histories and achievements. It also provides an exciting range of events, from walking tours that explore the history of women in Glasgow to book readings by celebrated women authors. GWL is a safe, friendly and inspiring environment where women can access the information and opportunities they need to change their lives for the better. More information about Glasgow Women’s Library can be found at womenslibrary.org.uk