Latest news with #YoungWomen'sMovement
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex-STV News star stuns in red sequined dress as she wins UK beauty queen crown
The 27-year-old, former journalist, turned model will now represent the UK during a three-week competition in Tokyo. A FORMER STV star has become the second Scot to win a prestigious beauty competition. Sophie Wallace was crowned Miss International UK during a glitzy ceremony on Saturday night. Advertisement 4 Sophie Wallace was crowned Miss International UK 4 The 27-year-old, former journalist, turned model will now represent the UK during a three-week competition in Tokyo 4 The former STV newsreader was previously listed on the Young Women's Movement 30-under-30 list The 27-year-old, former journalist, turned model will now represent the UK during a three-week competition in Tokyo, Japan in November. The former STV newsreader – who was previously listed on the Young Women's Movement 30-under-30 list – has dedicated her platform to advocacy work, campaigning for gender equality in the media, as well as tackling fuel poverty through her own not-for-profit organisation, Helping Hats. What's more, Sophie has thrown her support behind female-focused charities, raising over £300 for A-Sisterhood since 2023 – a cause that aims to empower, support and protect women worldwide. During the awards bash Sophie, who was born in Falkirk, stunned in a red sequined dress as she was crowned. Advertisement Ahead of the final Sophie said: 'I'm so excited to be representing Glasgow at the Miss International UK final. 'This journey's been such a meaningful one for me. I've loved every minute of getting behind causes I care about and showing off just how special our city really is. 'My career in the media has given me the chance to share the stories of people doing incredible things and inspired me to take action myself. 'After speaking to so many families affected by fuel poverty, I launched Helping Hats, which aims to provide a warm, woolly hat to those most in need. Advertisement 'Since 2023, we've donated over 300 pieces of clothing to families in some of the UK's most deprived areas, with plans to extend our efforts throughout Europe to places most affected by the issue. 'What's more, after being inspired by so many incredible women I've met through my career in broadcasting and PR, I launched The Empower Hour, which is a space for women to share their expertise on social media and spotlight those making a real difference in their communities. STV duped into airing clip of viral star Hasbullah in snow by Scots prankster 'I've always been passionate about gender equality in the media and this platform has become a way to challenge outdated narratives and celebrate female voices that deserve to be heard. 'That message sits perfectly alongside the Miss International ethos of 'Cheer All Women', and to take that initiative to a global stage would be nothing short of a dream come true.' Advertisement A decade has passed since a Scot was crowned Miss International UK, with Sophie Louden from Lanarkshire the last woman from north of the border to hold the title in 2015. This is the third time that Sophie Wallace has contested for the title, having first been shortlisted as a finalist in 2020 and placing in the top eight in last year's competition. Established in 1960, Miss International has long been recognised as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious pageants. 4 Ex Stv News Presenter Sophie Wallace has won Miss International UK 2025/26
The Herald Scotland
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Young Women's Movement calls for re-introduction of Misogyny Bill
However, Scotland's national organisation for young women and girls' rights urged Scottish ministers to think again after conducting their own research which included insights into experiences of misogyny. The Young Women's Movement report, Status of Young Women in Scotland 2024 –2025, was conducted through an online survey between September and December last year as well as focus groups on various issues. Status of Young Women in Scotland 2024-25 report (Image: contributed) Out of over 600 young women aged between 16-35, the reported top concerns in regards to their rights were around safety and ending violence against women and girls, access to adequate healthcare, and fair and equal pay. The research found that young women are anxious about a regression in their rights, citing changes in society, culture and politics which make their rights feel more precarious than ever. Read more: Specific concerns raised included the rise of far-right politics and 'increasing misogyny and the radicalisation of young men online' as well as 'the persistence and prevalence of gender-based violence'. Out of those surveyed, a total of one in two said they do not trust politicians and decision-makers to represent them and advocate for their human rights, and 58% feel they have no say in decisions about how Scotland is run. The findings have led to the Young Women's Movement chief executive calling on the Scottish Government 'to prioritise young women's rights' by re-introducing the Human Rights (Scotland) Bill and the proposed Misogyny Bill. The Young Women's Movement believes if both bills were reintroduced, this would "intensify efforts to combat misogyny" and "improve young women's access to justice". Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women's Movement, said: "With half of young women distrusting politicians to represent them, and more than that feeling that their voices are not heard in decisions about how Scotland is run, this research makes clear that young women in Scotland are being let down by those with the most power." Young women rated public transport as the place they feel most unsafe, with one saying: 'I often feel unsafe in public places. Every woman I know has at a minimum been harassed by men on public transport; in their place of work or education; on the street, etc.' One anonymous survey respondent wrote: 'Women experience sexual and gender-based violence at catastrophic rates, and it has been extremely harmful on our physical and mental health and wellbeing, safety in our own homes, ability to access healthcare, and ability to achieve justice.' Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women's Movement (Image: ELLIE MORAG) Discussing action she would like to see following the findings, Ms Snell: 'Over the next year we will be furthering our work with the Scottish Parliament and elected officials to create pathways for young women to better participate in politics and democratic processes, especially in the lead up to the 2026 election, but we cannot do this work alone. 'We are calling on Scottish Government to prioritise young women's rights by reintroducing the Human Rights (Scotland) Bill and the proposed Misogyny (Scotland) Bill; intensifying efforts to combat misogyny in educational settings, workplaces and online; improving young women's access to justice by reforming the legal aid system; and meaningfully engaging and listening to young women's voices to ensure their needs are considered when policies are created." John Swinney's Programme for Government last year did not include his government's flagship Human Rights Bill which aimed to bring international human rights treaties into Scots law and make them enforceable. The government said it intends to bring forward this bill but it will not be brought forward this parliamentary term. More recently, however, on Friday, it emerged his government is dropping the Misogyny Bill as the government claims it has "insufficient time" for it to be finalised this parliamentary session following the Supreme Court judgment. This proposed bill would have provided protection to women and girls at risk of gender-based violence in Scotland, with new laws against misogynistic harassment and behaviour, stirring up hatred against women and girls and protections from abusive communications. Mr Swinney has insisted that instead of bringing forward specific laws to tackle misogyny – the dislike of, contempt for, or prejudice against women – SNP ministers will instead seek to amend existing hate crime legislation within this parliamentary term. However, a legal academic has told The Herald this may offer a "much more blunt" form of hate crime framework which would not include "certain nuances" within the Scottish Government-commissioned Misogyny report from leading lawyer Helena Kennedy KC into misogyny in Scotland. The most recent Status of Young Women in Scotland report is the seventh in the series released by The Young Women's Movement, and marks 10 years since the publication of the first of these. Ms Snell added: 'We were incredibly inspired by young women's stories through this research and their resilience in the face of adversity, and I'd like to thank every young woman who took the time to speak with us about their experiences of human rights in Scotland."
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Poll: Half of young women don't trust politicians
Among the respondents, trust in politicians was low, with one in two saying they do not trust elected officials to 'represent their needs and advocate for their human rights'. 'Trust in politics has reached a record low amongst young women,' the 58-page report said. 'Many young women do not feel empowered to affect change. 'Many young women described feelings of hopelessness, believing their singular voice could not make a difference, and that their opinions and views do not matter. 'They recognised that as a young person it was harder to influence the way Scotland is run. Many also described their working-class background and how this adds to feeling powerless.' Some 58% of respondents said they feel as though they have 'no involvement' in decision making in Scotland. The research, done by the Young Women's Movement, spoke to 600 women between the ages of 16 and 35 (stock pic) (Image: Stewart Attwood) 'Young women described how a lack of representation in politics does not support their ability to have their needs met in decision making or feel like they have any influence in how Scotland is run,' the report added. 'Some expressed frustration or feelings of powerlessness due to Scotland being governed by Westminster, and how this impacts how they feel about decision making in Scotland. 'Others recognised how under-represented they are in politics, feeling like those in power do not represent their views or values.' READ MORE: Personal safety was one of the top three concerns among those surveyed, with two thirds saying they carried their keys in their hands while walking home at night in case they were attacked and a further 60% said they would share their locations with friends and family. As well as the research, the report also made recommendations to the Scottish Government, including intensifying efforts to combat 'misogyny and negative gender stereotypes in schools and educational settings' as well as introducing its Bill to tackle misogyny. The Bill has been mooted since the passage of the Hate Crime and Public Order Act, with the Government deciding to leave sex out of the legislation in favour of creating a standalone offence. Jenni Snell, the chief executive of the Young Women's Movement, said: 'The report makes for hard reading in places, with stark but unsurprising findings showing the hardships of being a young woman in Scotland today – particularly in regards to the criminal justice system and the widespread lack of access to justice for victims of gender-based violence. 'We were incredibly inspired by young women's stories and their resilience in the face of adversity, and I'd like to thank every young woman who took the time to speak with us about their experiences of human rights in Scotland.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Equality for women and girls is at the heart of our vision for a fairer Scotland. 'We are working across all parts of society to deliver this, including implementing the ambitious recommendations from the First Minister's National Advisory Council on Women and Girls, delivering the Women's Health Plan and investing £21.6 million in Delivering Equally Safe projects to support survivors of gender-based violence.'
Glasgow Times
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Inspiring young women sought for Scotland's 30 Under 30 list
The Young Women's Movement, Scotland's national organisation for young women and girls' leadership and rights, is looking for nominations for its 10th annual 30 Under 30 list. Established in 2016, the list aims to address the limited diverse representation on other 30 Under 30 lists. Read more: Glasgow company commit to 'carbon reduction goals' with new solar panels It is designed to celebrate young women, girls, and non-binary people in Scotland who are making a difference in their lives, communities, or society. Each year, the list highlights some of Scotland's most inspiring young artists, activists, carers, volunteers, and trailblazers. Last year's list included Eilidh Craib, a champion teenage kickboxer from Aberdeenshire; Elsie Ong, a 13-year-old activist from Dumfries and Galloway; and Shannon Boston, a researcher investigating Shetland's drug and alcohol culture. It also featured artists, campaigners, journalists, and community champions. Jenni Snell, chief executive officer of The Young Women's Movement, said: "Young women are leading change across Scotland – within their own lives and communities, as well as at a national level. "In a climate of rising misogyny online and offline, 30 Under 30 is a much-needed opportunity to celebrate and recognise young women's achievements and the positive impact they have. Read more: Glasgow ranked as second funniest city in UK "Reading the nominations is always a moving experience, and we're excited to discover this year's 30 in the tenth iteration of the list." Nominations can be submitted until Monday, June 2, at where more information is also available. Self-nominations for the list are also welcome. The Young Women's Movement hopes to see stories from an eclectic range of age groups, parts of Scotland, and areas of life.
