Many people on #internationalwomensday will talk about Women who have inspired them, often these are from history or celebrities, however in my 10 months since being elected I have felt incredibly lucky to be part of this Labour Group with such an exceptional group of women.
Becoming a councillor is a challenge for everyone, but I have seen first hand the additional abuse and casual sexism my female colleagues receive and I am genuinely in awe at every one of them.
My ward colleagues Councillor Sue Glithero, Manor Ward and Councillor Laura Clingan, Manor Ward you are phenomena, fighting for our residents here in Manor.
Next door in Offerton Cllr. Helen Hibbert, Offerton Ward has driven forward change with absolute tenacity doing more in 2 years than some have done in 10.
Our deputy leader Cllr Christine Carrigan , shadow cabinet members Claire Vibert, Labour Party , Rachel Wise – Labour for Reddish North , Cllr Dena Ryness & Councillor Wendy Wild push to get the best for all of our residents across the whole borough.
In Bredbury we have the power house that is Cllr Rosemary Barratt, Labour for Bredbury & Woodley and in Brinnington and Stockport Central our Deputy Mayor Councillor Kerry Waters.
However this International Womens Day we have to reflect on the growing backlash against gender equality and then make a commitment to challenge the push back.
On average one woman is killed by a man every 3 days and 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse in 2023/24. These stats are chilling even without the stories behind them, but for those women and 1.8 million of their children, this is the life they are living.
There has been some good movement from the Labour Government but we need to do more. Womens Aids open letter calls for a minimum of £516 Million to enable the proper support to be provided to those women and child survivors.
Sign the letter here
