Latest news with #GlasgowWomen'sLibrary
Scotsman
13-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Glasgow Library becomes first in Scotland to receive prestigious award
The city library is the first in Scotland to win a special award. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Glasgow Women's Library in Bridgeton has been officially named a Library of Sanctuary, joining just 30 others in the UK. The news was shared during Refugee Festival Scotland, which is happening until June 22. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The award celebrates GWL's long-time effort to be a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for all women, especially those who have had to seek safety or refuge. Glasgow Library Volunteer Zahra Adam, GWL volunteer, said: 'GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. It is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow.' The library helps people through its literacy project, especially the Conversation Café — a warm, friendly group for women who are learning to speak English. Kimaya Kapoor, one of India's well-known influencers, said she thinks it's wonderful that Glasgow Women's Library is now a Library of Sanctuary. It really shows they care about making everyone feel safe and welcome, especially women who've faced hard times. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The library also holds bilingual events, like Urdu Poetry Story Cafés, and celebrates the role migrant communities have played in shaping Glasgow's history, culture, and community — such as through the She Settles in the Shields project. The title was given by City of Sanctuary UK, a national group that brings together organizations like councils, schools, theatres, and universities to welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum. Wendy Kirk, GWL librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome across the UK. 'This is needed now more than ever. Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Adele Patrick, GWL co-director, said: 'Gaining Sanctuary status is an absolute honor for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. 'We know that libraries are amongst the few special places that people trust. Currently, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbors is even more crucial.' I love that this library is more than just books — it's a place where women from all backgrounds can connect, feel safe, and be heard. Getting this award proves how important their work is, Kimaya Kapoor said. Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. 'Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'
Glasgow Times
13-06-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow library first in Scotland to achieve top honour
Glasgow Women's Library in Bridgeton has been officially recognised as a Library of Sanctuary, one of only 30 in the UK. The announcement was made during Refugee Festival Scotland, which runs until June 22. The award recognises GWL's long-standing commitment to being a 'safe, inclusive and empowering space' for women from all walks of life, especially those who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary. Volunteer Zahra Adam (Image: Glasgow Women's Library) Zahra Adam, GWL volunteer, said: "GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. It is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow." The library supports people through its literacy project, notably the Conversation Café, a welcoming, friendly and supportive group for women who are new to speaking English. It also hosts bilingual events, such as Urdu Poetry Story Cafés; and celebrates the contributions of migrant communities to Glasgow's history, culture and community life, for example through the She Settles in the Shields project. The title was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services including councils, schools, theatres and universities that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum. (Image: Glasgow Women's Library) Wendy Kirk, GWL librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome all across the UK. 'This is needed now more than ever. Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced.' Adele Patrick, GWL co-director, said: ''Gaining Library of Sanctuary status is an absolute honour for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. 'We know that libraries are amongst the special few places that people trust. At this time, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbours is all the more crucial.' Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. 'Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'
The Herald Scotland
12-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow Women's Library earns UK sanctuary award
The announcement is being made during Refugee Festival Scotland, which celebrates the diversity and cultural richness in Scotland's communities by providing people from refugee backgrounds with a platform to showcase their creativity. As well as inclusive programming, language support and creative workshops, Glasgow Women's Library has also supported people through a literacy project which includes the Conversation Café to provide support for women who are new to speaking English. The title was awarded by the City of Sanctuary UK and is the first in Scotland to be recognised despite there being 30 others across the UK. Read More Wendy Kirk, GWL Librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome all across the UK. This is needed now more than ever. 'Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced. We hope that our commitment to being a welcoming space for people seeking sanctuary will be even more visible now that we have received our award. I look forward to more libraries in Scotland joining this vital network of solidarity, inclusivity and compassion.' Zahra Adams, GWL volunteer with lived experience of seeking sanctuary said: "When I first joined Glasgow Women's Library in 2022, I didn't feel confident because all the people were new to me. But realised everyone was so kind and welcoming, I quickly felt at ease. 'GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. Volunteering in the garden and craft sessions gave me confidence, teamwork skills, and a voice as well as communication skills. GWL is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow." Adele Patrick, GWL Co-Director, said: 'Gaining Library of Sanctuary status is an absolute honour for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. We know that libraries are amongst the special few places that people trust. 'At this time, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbours is all the more crucial. Glasgow Women's Library strives to be a place where people seeking sanctuary — in whatever form — find a place that actively welcomes them over the threshold, that reaches out to them in their neighbourhood or online. Our library offers a non-judgemental, kind space, connections and resources that can bring joy, laughter and friendships; a sanctuary filled with information, learning opportunities and support that help equip people to live their lives, express and be themselves.' Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: It's an absolute honour to receive the Library of Sanctuary award. We deeply value our role in providing a safe, inclusive space where women from every walk of life truly feel seen, heard, and respected. 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The teenage suffragette who poured acid into mailboxes
Few people would have looked twice at the teenage maid stopping by a Glasgow post box in 1912. That was exactly what Jessie Stephen was counting on - because she was dropping bottles of acid over the mail as part of a suffragette campaign for women's rights. It was one of many cases of activism in the life of Jessie, who campaigned for labour rights and established a trade union by the time she was 20. Now a new exhibition in the city she grew up in is telling her story in detail. More stories from Glasgow & West Scotland More stories from Scotland "I think she was before her time," says Anabel Marsh, the women's history enthusiast who has curated the new exhibition running at Maryhill Burgh Halls until 13 June. "She didn't let anything get in her way, she was very forthright." She needed that forthright attitude throughout her life. Born in 1893 in London and the oldest of 11 children, Jessie's father was a tailor and work soon drew him to Scotland, where the family eventually settled in Glasgow. Growing up she dreamed of a teaching career, but had to abandon that when her father's work struggled, and she left school in her teens to seek work as a maid. "She found the conditions very poor and organised all the other servants into a trade union and got them better conditions," says Anabel, referring to the Scottish Domestic Workers Federation union Jessie established around 1912. She was sacked by one employer at Belhaven Terrace in Dowanhill for twisting her ankle while at work over the Christmas period. "Her employer, Lady Chisholm, said 'she could not afford to keep a servant in her house who wasn't in a position to carry out the whole of her duties', even though Jessie had wrenched her ankle running upstairs in the course of those duties", says Anabel. Workers rights remained a passion for Jessie throughout her life. However she had also been drawn to the suffragette movement at a young age. Her work as a maid gave her the perfect excuse to go to mail boxes and throw acid, ink or paint over letters and parcels, as campaigners fought the law. "As she was in a maid's uniform to do that she got away with it, as no-one would look at her," says Anabel, who was first drawn to Jessie's story several years ago after discovering her through the Glasgow Women's Library. In an interview with historian Brian Harrison in the 1970s, Jessie recalled the so-called "pillar box outrages" were planned "with military precision." She said: "We were all handed our tools, the boxes of acid or whatever it is we had to do, and we were told the time to drop it in – we covered the whole city of Glasgow that way. "It was done at different times, so if it was 18:00 one night it'd be 20:00 the next. One of the women was a chemist and was able to get boxes of acid for us. The only time we were caught [protesting] was window smashing – being in service I couldn't do that, but I could do the acid dropping." During the First World War she moved to London to help the Worker's Suffrage Foundation campaign for women to get the vote and she never lived in Glasgow again, eventually settling in Bristol. Anabel believes Jessie's story is fascinating because the history of suffragettes is dominated by middle class protesters like the Pankhursts, as opposed to women from working class backgrounds. "A lot of them would have families depending on them and had to remain anonymous," she explains. "Jessie was quite clear that activism was her life and she didn't want to marry, so she didn't have people depending on her – she could afford to be more visible and so she's one of the few working class Scottish suffragettes we know about." Jessie never lost her passion for campaigning - she worked as a journalist for a spell, became a local councillor, took over a typing service and attempted on several times to become an MP, while arguing the case for socialism throughout her life. She died in Bristol in 1979 aged 86, having lived there since the 1940s. In 1952 she became the first woman president of the Trades Council and a blue plaque was later placed on the Bristol street where she lived. She was awarded an MBE the year before her death. "Jessie continued with her activism all through her life, starting very young, and campaigned for so many different issues, which makes her quite remarkable," says Anabel. "That's why it's important to tell her story." Lego suffragette marks anniversary of female MP What did the suffragettes do for you?
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Exhibition puts focus on five female artists as it tours Scotland in bus
A TOURING exhibition has partnered with a university to put the focus on five Scottish women artists. Travelling Gallery is working with the University of St Andrews to present the Between Women exhibition, featuring the works of five different artists at five different locations, from February 17-21. The all-female roster of creators includes Franki Raffles, Sylvia Grace Borda, Sandra George, Carolyn Scott and Niu Weiyu. Their pieces examine the relationships and power structures between women. After its opening in Edinburgh, the Travelling Gallery, which is a contemporary art gallery in a bus, will arrive in Glasgow, Dundee, Cupar and St Andrews. The exhibition has been curated by Vivian K Sheng and Catherine Spencer. Culture and communities convener Val Walker said: 'It's brilliant to see the Travelling Gallery return for 2025. 'Here in Edinburgh, we're clear that our residents should be able to easily access a variety of cultural activities, and this exhibition brings art closer to people's communities.' Between Women is inspired by and will feature creations from photographer Franki Raffles, exploring relationships between gender, labour and education since the 1950s in Scotland and throughout the world with documentary photography. Raffles's works will be flanked by images produced by her fellow artists in the exhibition to demonstrate how gender is produced and reproduced through workplaces, housing, healthcare and schools. Curator Louise Briggs said: 'We're looking forward to discussing the work of each artist with our visitors, who we believe will have their own stories and experiences to share that chime with many of the references found in the work on display.' The exhibition aims to highlight the possibilities for solidarity between women in sites and spaces local and global, but also acknowledge differences and intersectional identities. Launching in Edinburgh at the Community Wellbeing Centre on Monday, February 17 from 11am to 5pm, the exhibition will tour throughout the week visiting the following locations: Tuesday, February 18, 10am to 4pm at Glasgow Women's Library Wednesday, February 19, 10am to 4pm at Dundee International Women's Centre Thursday, February 20, 10am to 4pm at Fluthers Car Park, Cupar Friday, February 21, 10am to 4pm at East Sands Leisure Centre, St Andrews Between Women is supported by the University of St Andrews Impact and Innovation Fund.
