CLYDEBANK joined in global celebrations for International Women’s Day last week.

Town councillors attended the unveiling of a statue to Mary Barbour, a leader of the 1915 Rent Strikes and campaigner for improved housing and social conditions.

Councillor Marie McNair, joined by fellow councillors Diane Docherty, Karen Conaghan and Caroline McAllister, visited the new monument to pay tribute to Mrs Barbour but also Bankie Jane Rae, another activist, both of whom went on to become councillors themselves.

Jane Rae was involved in the Singer Strike of 1911 and was ultimately sacked along with 400 others for taking industrial action. By 1922, she was a Labour councillor for Clydebank Town Council.

On Saturday at Centre81, there was an International Women’s Day event put on by the Isaro Social Integration Network and West Dunbartonshire Ethnic Women’s Group, including a fashion show, art exhibition, information stalls, speakers and children’s activities.

Rose Sehakizinka, project coordinator with Isaro, said it was an “opportunity to celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women across the globe and praised the community spirit between diverse communities in Clydebank”.

Cllr McNair said the events were important celebrations of the achievements of women, but there was much more work to do.She said: “I was privileged to attend the unveiling of the Mary Barbour statue in Govan, along with my council colleagues, and it was extremely fitting that the date happened to be International Women’s Day.

“I was also delighted to be asked to speak at an International Women’s Day event, which was hosted by Isaro Social Integration Network in Centre 81.

“It was a great opportunity to bring the community together to celebrate unity and diversity, but also a chance to embrace the achievements of our fore sisters and thank them for leading the way for us to live in a more free and inclusive society.

“However, there remains a lot to be done before we see full equality for women.

“As women we must continue the fight to have our voices heard that will help change society for the better.”