Official Report 163KB pdf
Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is the Right Rev Rosie Frew, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Good afternoon. Sunday past, 8 March, was international women’s day. It is always on 8 March, and it is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. There have been many throughout history and in the present day.
There is a lot to celebrate, but there is still much work to be done, both in Scotland and worldwide, to raise awareness and advance gender equality—be that in tackling the gender pay gap, lack of representation in leadership roles, gender-based violence or unequal access to education and opportunities—and, quite simply, to show basic respect to girls and women.
On Sunday coming, 15 March, we will remember some particular women. It is mothers’ day. In nurseries and primary schools the length and breadth of the land, cards are being created and presents are being made. By the weekend, the shops and supermarkets will be filled with cards, gifts and overpriced bouquets in shades of pink. Hotels and restaurants will be fully booked. There will be an air of expectation and anticipation on the part of both children and mothers.
While the date for international women’s day is fixed, the date for mothers’ day changes each year. It is all tied in with the timing of Easter: the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the spring equinox of 21 March.
Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is three weeks before Easter Sunday. It was the day when those working away from home—those in service—were given time off to return home to visit their family and to worship in their mother church, the place where they were nurtured in their faith. I like that wider meaning: it is a time to remember those who nurtured us, those who helped to mould us into the people we are today; it is a day to show our appreciation.
Have a think. Who are those people for you? Who are the people who nurtured you, shaped you and inspired you? Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, youth leaders, faith leaders, people in positions of power and influence, neighbours and friends: remember them, give thanks for them, and show your appreciation.
We are now these people in positions of power and influence. So, think again. Who are those you nurture, those you influence, those you may inspire? What do they see and hear? What should they see and hear—in this place, at home, in your neighbourhood, in your constituency, in your local schools, on the telly or on the socials?
I will leave that one with you.
Next
Business Motions