Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of attending different community events in and around the local area.

I was delighted to be asked by Rose Sehakizinka at the Isaro Social Integration Network, to speak at an International Women’s Day event.

Isaro is an organisation that works mainly with ethnic women.

We welcome the recognition to bring the community together to celebrate unity and diversity.

International Women’s Day celebrates the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women across the globe.

A chance to celebrate liberty and equality for women, this year’s campaign theme is #BalanceforBetter.

A balanced world is a better world and we must continue to fight for a more gender-balanced and inclusive society for all to live and work in.

This was also an opportunity to embrace the achievements of our fore-sisters and thank them for being instrumental in leading the way and fighting for our town.

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During the war, many women had to step in to roles and responsibilities that were mainly undertaken by men. They helped re-build Clydebank as we know it today.

We will never forget Jane Rae, a Bankie and fellow councillor who campaigned during the rent strikes of 1915. She helped mobilise women up and down the Clydeside area to unite and protest against the proposed rent increases on properties not fit for purpose.

Due to their efforts, their fight was eventually heard by Westminster, and not long after that the Rent Restriction Act was passed.

We have so much of our past to be proud of, but there remains a lot to be done before we see full equality for women.

As a woman I have never taken anything for granted and I have worked hard to get where I am today.

Unfortunately it is disappointing that only 33 per cent of councillors in Scotland are women.

We must do more to encourage women to stand for election, so we can have an equal representation for all.

As women we must continue the fight to have our voices heard and campaign for a more free and inclusive society.