Katy discusses the increasing need for a balanced goverment, Fairness for parents of young children. Katy represented the views from other women in Glasgow North on the portrayal of women in the media.

On Saturday 20th September, Katy Gordon, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Glasgow North, called for the party’s Federal conference to tackle the negative impacts of body image pressure by supporting the Real Women policy paper.

She said that the paper, which aims, among other things, to tackle the unattainable body images presented to young women in fashion and beauty magazines, were ‘not about banning airbrushing’ but ‘working with industry regulators to… help women make informed choices’.

When discussing the policy paper with women from Glasgow’s North West Women’s Centre, Katy said, all the women independently suggested the proposals outlined in the paper. It is clear then that the paper is not, she said, simply ‘do-gooding liberals getting worked up over trivia’, but a way of ‘standing up for those who can’t speak for themselves… pressing for action when to do nothing would cause more harm.’

Update:  Some great comments on Katy’s speech on Neil Stockley’s blog, here.

On Sunday 6th September, Katy took part in the 10K Great Scottish Run, to raise money for Glasgow’s North West Women’s Centre. The centre provides a range of support to women who have been affected by discrimination, and sexual and domestic violence and offers a safe environment for women to work together to find practical solutions to improve their lives. After the race, Katy said:

‘My feet could certainly do with a rest after this, but I’ve raised hundreds of pounds for the women’s centre, so it has been worth every step. I’ve been training hard for several months, so I’m really glad all the effort has paid off, even beating my time last year.
I’ve also been delighted at the number of people who have sponsored me and that I’ve been able to raise the profile of the centre, as well as some much needed funds.  The women at the centre have been really supportive and I am pleased to be able to do something practical to support them.’

“This is always a fun event and I was glad to return and see what has been acheived since my last visit.  I am also delighted that the network has welcomed my goal of fundraising for the network by running the 10K in Glasgow on 6th Sept.  This is a vital local organisation that really needs our support. My colleague, Cllr Mary Paris has been working hard with the network to ensure their funding is secured for the longer term so they can continue their good work.”

Katy attended the Centre’s Garden Party on Thursday 14th August, where she was welcomed by the Centre’s manager, who took her on tour of the centre and described the work of the centre. Katy also admired the newly completed quilt, sewn by local women as part of their weekly Patchwork class, funded by North Glasgow Healthy Living community and talked to the Centre’s Chairperson, Mary McEwan. The quilt was formally launched by the Lord Provost at the Garden Party. Katy said:

“I am very impressed by the variety of activities and support available at the centre. It has a very welcoming feel and is clearly a well used local service. It is important that local organisations doing such good work are supported to maintain their funding so they can continue to help women across the north of Glasgow.”