Latest news with #equality
BBC News
12 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Glasgow streets awash with colour for Pride march
Thousands of people have brought colour to the streets of Glasgow as they took part in this year's Pride streets were awash with rainbow colours adorned by the crowds who carried rainbow-coloured balloons and march began at Kelvingrove Park before weaving through the city to Barrowland Park where the celebrations event is held to promote equality and inclusion.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cincinnati mom tells Ramsey Show her husband won't let her access his account — why it's about more than money
When you get married, your hope is that you and your spouse will treat each other like equals. But that doesn't always end up being the case. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Recently, Nicole from Cincinnati called into The Ramsey Show to ask for advice about her marriage. She asked co-hosts Jade Warshaw and Rachel Cruze, "How do I get my husband to honor the financial commitment that we made together as newlyweds?" Nicole explained that her husband does not give her access to their bank accounts. 'He's CashApping me,' she complained, as a means of giving her money on an as-needed basis. Not surprisingly, Warshaw and Cruze were quick to point out how troubling that is. And they also had some strong words for Nicole to take to heart. When you're not treated as a financial partner Nicole and her husband have been married for 10 years. But after all this time, he won't combine finances. Worse yet, he won't even share the details of his finances. As a stay-at-home mom, that makes her uncomfortable. There's also a 25-year age difference between Nicole and her husband, who works in sales at what she assumes is a $100,000 annual salary. Since she doesn't see his pay stubs or direct deposits, she can't know for sure. Nicole has offered to go back to work, which her husband doesn't seem to want. Rather, he seems content being the one to work as long as he can control the money. Nicole explained that while they have a joint checking account, her husband has a savings account his checks get direct-deposited into. He then transfers money to Nicole on an as-needed basis, and she can't access that savings account. "There's just part of this that feels really controlling," said Warshaw. "He's the one that gets the control." "You don't have autonomy to make decisions," said Cruze. Nicole explained that her husband had two past marriages that he says didn't end well financially. That's what's driving his behavior, according to him. Cruze, however, insisted that Nicole and her spouse should have equal say on financial matters. She also said their issue goes beyond logistics — it's a matter of commitment. "My red flags go up for you," said Cruze. 'What if something does go south, you're the one that gets screwed Nicole.' Warshaw suggested that Nicole and her spouse go to counseling to try to work through their issues. But she also said that Nicole needs to demand to have their banking passwords at the very least so she can pay bills on her own and not have to be reliant on her husband for every little thing. Given their age gap, it's not inconceivable that Nicole might outlive her husband. If he doesn't share financial information with her, she won't be equipped to pay bills when he's gone, or to know what her financial reality will be during her own later years. Read more: Americans are 'revenge saving' to survive — but millions only get a measly 1% on their savings. The hidden costs of being financially locked out by a spouse Having your spouse control all of your finances isn't just demeaning. It could also put you in a seriously unfavorable situation, especially if you're a stay-at-home parent who doesn't earn an income and spends many years outside of the labor force. First, if something happens to your spouse and you can't access your accounts, you won't be able to pay your bills. That could mean losing your home, car, or other assets with a secured loan attached to them. Second, if you have joint bills but you can't get access to your money to pay them, your credit score could take a serious dive. From there, you might struggle to borrow money when you need to. Even if all of your bills are in your spouse's name, that's not great, either. Not having bills in your name could make it difficult to build a credit history, which could also hurt your chances of being able to borrow money when the need arises. In 2022, Experian reported that 28 million Americans are credit invisible, meaning they don't have a credit history. You don't want to be part of that statistic. Also, if you don't have access to your financial accounts like Nicole, you risk being left in the lurch in the event of a divorce. If you aren't aware of the assets you have, you can't claim a legal right to them if you and your spouse split and they try to hide them. Plus, if you don't have access to money in your name, you're going to have a difficult time paying for a divorce lawyer. When you turn 62, you may be able to claim spousal benefits from Social Security if you were married for 10 years or longer. With spousal benefits, you could get a monthly check from Social Security worth up to 50% of your ex-spouse's benefit. However, that probably won't be enough to pay your expenses. And if you don't have a work history, it means you're unlikely to have much in the way of personal retirement savings. Nicole is unfortunately not alone. A Northwestern Mutual study found that only 43% of American women feel financially secure, compared to 59% of men. Just 44% believe they'll be ready for retirement, compared to 61% of men. If you're married and stay home with your kids, it's important to have control over your household finances in the same way that your spouse does. Not only should you know what your bills and income look like, but you should have access to bank accounts and investment accounts, too. Plus, if you own a home, your name should be on the deed and title. Similarly, the car you drive should be in your name, too. Allowing yourself to be kept in the dark only puts you at risk. It's important to have those conversations with your spouse so you're not left scrambling if something happens to them, or if your marriage goes awry. also warns women in long term relationships about financial abuse. They have a list of signs to look out for. They count a partner who makes you feel as though you don't have a right to know any details about money or household resources, puts you on an allowance even if you object, makes you account for all your spending, and prevents you from working as potentially abusive. What to read next This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Money doesn't have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Nelson Mandela: A lifelong struggle for equality and independence
Modern-day South Africa is a true melting pot, home to diverse nationalities. At the forefront of shaping the modern Republic of South Africa was Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the country's first black president, who dedicated his life to the fight for equality among all people, regardless of race. Mandela not only championed the rights of the indigenous population which had been oppressed throughout the 20th century, he also steered the nation away from a potential civil war. He fought against the oppression of black South Africans under the apartheid government, consistently emphasizing that 'South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.' In global history and politics, few people have had the privilege of being remembered as active peacemakers between warring factions. This is why Mandela continues to be a symbol and moral compass for various ideologically and politically diverse groups and organizations — not just in Africa, but around the world. South Africa boasts one of the most varied demographic landscapes in the world. Its population, which exceeds 60 million, is mostly Black African (over 80%), as well as White, Indian, and mixed race. In addition to the Bantu communities, who form the largest ethnic group, South Africa is home to the Khoisan, Nguni, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, and Venda peoples. The white minority primarily consists of Afrikaners – descendants of Dutch and other European settlers (Boers). However, these ethnic groups have not always enjoyed equal rights. For a long time, South Africa's black population endured the oppression of the white minority. In 1910, four British colonies: Cape Colony, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange Free State, united to form a new nation under British and Afrikaner rule – the Union of South Africa. This self-governing dominion within the British Empire was established after the Anglo-Boer Wars (1899-1902) which were fought between British forces and the Afrikaners for control over South Africa's resources. The Union of South Africa began implementing laws that systematically stripped the native population of its rights. In 1913, the authorities limited land ownership for black South Africans to just 7% of the total territory. By 1923, they had prohibited black individuals from living in urban areas unless they were employed there, and in 1936, they revoked their voting rights. The final 'enslavement' of the indigenous population occurred in 1948 when the National Party, led by Afrikaners, won the elections and officially instituted a policy of racial segregation known as apartheid (the Afrikaans word for 'separateness'). The party's campaign appealed to white voters with slogans encouraging to fight 'the black danger.' Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in the village of Mvezo in eastern South Africa. He belonged to the Thembu, a sub-ethnic community of the Xhosa people. His first name, Rolihlahla, translates to 'pulling the branch of a tree' or 'troublemaker.' The name Nelson was given to him by a schoolteacher at a Methodist mission school. Thanks to the guidance of elders, Mandela absorbed both Western education and the traditions of his people. Mandela was a member of a ruling clan dynasty, and his background influenced his political approach. His political philosophy combined traditional values with modern governance principles. He referred to the legacy of the Xhosa as 'democracy in its purest form.' In 1939, Mandela was admitted to the University of Fort Hare — the only institution of higher learning open to black and mixed-race individuals at the time. Two years later, he moved to Johannesburg, a city known for its gold mines, where he began working at a law firm. There, he witnessed the brutal inequalities that black South Africans faced daily. Describing the average citizen, Mandela wrote: 'His life is circumscribed by racist laws and regulations that cripple his growth, dim his potential, and stunt his life.' 'Colored people' were forcibly relocated to overcrowded areas to free up major cities for white residents. Freedom of movement was also restricted; Black South Africans were required to carry passbooks to travel outside the designated territories, known as bantustans. Failing to present the document upon request could lead to arrest and imprisonment. 'I cannot pinpoint a moment when I became politicized, when I knew that I would spend my life in the liberation struggle. To be an African in South Africa means that one is politicized from the moment of one's birth, whether one acknowledges it or not,' Mandela wrote in his autobiography. In 1944, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), the oldest political organization representing indigenous people, founded in 1912. Throughout the 20th century, the ANC advocated for equal rights for all South Africans and fought against racial segregation. Within the ANC, Mandela and his comrades: Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Anton Lembede, and Ashby Peter Mda, established the Youth League, whose manifesto called for equality among all racial groups and land redistribution. Nelson Mandela's views were initially influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance. In 1952, he became one of the founders of the Defiance Campaign, which organized peaceful demonstrations against the racist laws enacted by the National Party. During this campaign, over 8,000 individuals were arrested for peacefully defying apartheid laws — for example, by entering 'white only' territories. By the 1950s, Mandela's political activism had attracted increased attention from the authorities. Police prohibited him from speaking publicly, and restricted his movement across the country. Meanwhile, the government continued to limit the rights of citizens based on race. The Bantu Education Act of 1953 established a separate and inferior education system for black South Africans, aimed at preparing them for roles as laborers and servants. The curriculum was intentionally restrictive, and the funding was minimal — in the 1970s, the government spent 644 rand per white student compared to just 42 rand per black student. One of the most significant achievements of Mandela and the ANC was organizing the Congress of the People in 1955, where 3,000 delegates adopted the Freedom Charter, proclaiming equality for all: 'South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white.' Shortly afterward, in 1960, a peaceful protest against passbook laws took place in Sharpeville. Police opened fire on the crowd, resulting in 69 deaths and over 180 injuries. In response to the protest, the ANC was banned by the authorities. This raised urgent questions about the need to organize armed resistance. A year later, Mandela founded uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which means 'Spear of the Nation' in the Zulu and Xhosa languages, the paramilitary wing of the ANC. As the leader of MK, Mandela secretly traveled throughout the country and operated out of a farm in Rivonia, then a suburb of Johannesburg. He also journeyed abroad, engaging in discussions with leaders of emerging independent African nations, most notably Julius Nyerere of Tanganyika (part of modern-day Tanzania) and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, about the need to fight against apartheid. On August 5, 1962, on his way back from a trip, Mandela was arrested; this time, the apartheid government was determined to silence the charismatic leader whom thousands of people were ready to follow. During the Rivonia Trial, which lasted from 1963 to 1964, Mandela steadfastly defended his beliefs. His speech from the dock in 1964 emphasized the necessity of eradicating racial superiority, building an egalitarian society, and his willingness to die for this cause: 'I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. 'It is not true that the enfranchisement of all will result in racial domination. Political division, based on color, is entirely artificial and, when it disappears, so will the domination of one color group by another. The ANC has spent half a century fighting against racialism. When it triumphs, it will not change that policy.' Mandela was sentenced to life in prison for organizing armed resistance against the apartheid government. The authorities held him in various prisons, but he spent the majority of his sentence, 18 out of 27 years, on Robben Island. Political prisoners were kept together, which helped ease the harshness of their confinement and allowed them to continue their fight, even if it was limited to the confines of their cells. ANC members exchanged opinions and engaged in debates with one another and with other inmates. In 1962, Mandela began studying law through correspondence courses from the University of London. He continued his education in prison and even took on the role of lecturer for fellow inmates. Meanwhile, the government continued to restrict the freedoms of black citizens, encroaching upon their private lives. Between 1950 and 1985, under the Immorality Act, which prohibited relationships between different races, 19,000 people were prosecuted, with many arrested without trial. Despite his incarceration, Mandela's popularity in the country grew, making him a symbol of resistance against the regime. In the 1970s, the authorities offered to release Mandela on the condition that he renounce the armed struggle. In 1974, the Minister of Justice visited him, but Mandela refused to make deals with the government. Tensions escalated as pressure mounted on the government from the UN, European nations, and African states condemning apartheid. To quell public outrage, the authorities resorted to violent tactics once again. In 1976, thousands of black students in Soweto protested against the mandatory use of the Afrikaans language in schools. The police responded with brutal force, firing live ammunition into the crowd, resulting in at least 176 deaths. In 1985, South African President Pieter Willem Botha announced he would consider freeing Mandela if he publicly condemned violence. Mandela once again rejected these unilateral terms, and this made him even more popular in society. Protests erupted across the nation, prompting the Afrikaner government to declare a state of emergency. Ultimately, independently of the ANC, Mandela recognized the need to lay the groundwork for official negotiations, fearing the country was headed toward civil war. While still in prison, he met with the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Safety, and the president. Progress in negotiations was only achieved, however, in late 1989, after a change in government leadership. In February 1990, the ANC and several other previously banned organizations were legalized. Nelson Mandela was released to a jubilant crowd. This marked the beginning of an official negotiation process aimed at dismantling the apartheid system and finding compromises in governance. Although the ANC owed much of its presence in the political arena to Mandela's personal contributions, he did not impose his will on the party. Upon his release, he was not interested in seizing power; rather, he coordinated actions with colleagues and was prepared to make concessions. In July 1991, Nelson Mandela was elected president of the African National Congress (ANC), and by 1994, South Africa held its first parliamentary elections that granted voting rights to all citizens. The ANC received nearly two-thirds of the votes. Mandela became the nation's president, with F.W. de Klerk and Thabo Mbeki, an ANC member, serving as deputy presidents. A primary goal of his presidency was national reconciliation, bringing both the oppressed and the oppressors into the government as a crucial step toward dismantling the legacy of apartheid. 'I knew as well as I knew anything that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man's freedom is a prisoner of hatred... The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity,' said Mandela. Nelson Mandela's legacy is deeply ingrained not only in South African culture but all around the world. He is remembered as a symbol of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of reconciliation. His wisdom helped steer the country away from the brink of civil war. While he aimed to protect the rights of marginalized groups, he never sought revenge against the white minority or discriminated against them. Mandela consistently resisted authoritarianism and stepped down after his first presidential term (1994-1999). As Mikatekiso Kubayi, researcher at the Institute for Global Dialogue and the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation, noted in an interview with RT, Mandela's legacy is very much alive in South Africa. 'Up to this day, you simply can't separate his legacy from it. His influence is still very much there. So, the president Cyril Ramaphosa pays homage to the influence of late former president Mandela as well, because his legacy is embedded in many things, the many ways, the ways we run government, the ways we run the Congress, the way we do our politics. For instance, breakaway parties like the EFF, now MK party and the APC, the UDM and others still carry some of the DNA of the liberation movement that shaped the former president,' he said. Nelson Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013, but his legacy lives on. He remains a global moral leader. The Nelson Mandela Foundation, established in 1999, continues his work of promoting peace, democracy, and social justice worldwide. In 2014, the United Nations established the Nelson Mandela Prize for achievements in social transformation, as Mandela's life story serves as a timeless testament to perseverance and indomitable will.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
JENNI MURRAY: Why no one would want to wear this T-shirt now... it's poisoned
Back in the day, it seemed anyone who was anyone wore them: those T-shirts which declared in large letters across the chest: 'This is what a feminist looks like.' The actor Benedict Cumberbatch showed his off, as did politicians Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and Harriet Harman. I did, too, back in 2014, as I was the president of The Fawcett Society – an organisation that has long campaigned for greater equality between women and men. It was such a simple, yet powerful message, that both men and women of all political shades could be proud of being feminists. Just over a decade on, though, I doubt anyone would wear such a slogan. The word 'feminist' has been poisoned by the phenomenal power of trans activists. Indeed, I believe we've lived through the worst years ever for those feminists who, like me, have held fast to the belief that women's welfare must always be the priority. To my mind, the rot set in around 2012, when Maria Miller became Minister for Women and Equalities under the Tory/Lib Dem coalition. Since then, women have slid down the political agenda in favour of biological males who identify as women. I remember interviewing Miller on Woman's Hour and being shocked when she told me her primary concern was for the trans community who, she said, had told her they suffered terrible discrimination. I challenged her, pointing out that a Minister for Women should have more responsibility for women than for trans women. She ignored me. Those of us who refused to accept trans women were women suffered a great deal back then. And any woman who agreed with me was disparagingly dubbed 'TERF' – a trans exclusionary radical feminist. I received worse than just this label, though. An article on the issue that I wrote in The Sunday Times in 2017 saw me threatened with rape and murder on social media. Trans women, I said, deserved respect and consideration but must not see themselves as women with the right to be welcomed into single-sex spaces or be housed in women's prisons if they committed a crime. Harriet Harman wears a shirt reading 'this is what a feminist looks like' - also sported in the past by Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg Jenni Murray believes women have slid down the political agenda in favour of biological males who identify as women since Maria Miller (pictured_ became Minister for Women and Equalities in 2012 My perfectly reasonable views not only brought me those horrifying threats, but the BBC declared I must not be allowed to discuss the issue on Woman's Hour. And when my alma mater, Hull University, wanted to name a lecture theatre after me, the noisy trans activists tried to stop it. All this kind of intimidation is still happening – despite the ruling from the Supreme Court that the legal definition of a woman within the Equality Act should be based on biological sex. But now it appears that the latest clever, outspoken woman who is suffering for her feminism is Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, the Prime Minister's choice to lead the Equality and Human Rights Commission when Baroness Falkner ends her term in November. Mary-Ann was director of The Fawcett Society in the mid-2000s when I was appointed president. She went on to become director of the Women's Budget Group – a feminist think-tank that provides evidence for the benefits of a gender-equal economy. And as well as working on equality and human rights issues for three decades, she holds a PhD in equality law. You'd imagine that, as she appears to be perfectly qualified to lead the equality watchdog, the suggestion of her appointment would be met with praise. But enter the trans activist, and Mary-Ann's commitment to feminism is called into question. Should she head the watchdog, they ask, when she has been open about her concerns for women whose careers were damaged by what are known as 'gender-critical' views? As far back as 2015, she co-signed a letter to The Guardian decrying 'the worrying pattern of intimidation and silencing of individuals whose views are deemed transphobic'. Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson (pictured) is Sir Keir Starmer's choice to lead the Equality and Human Rights Commission when Baroness Falkner ends her term in November She also donated to the legal fund of Allison Bailey, a barrister who took her chambers to court when they asked her to remove two 'gender-critical' tweets. Trans activists have clearly been successful at lobbying the Lords and Commons' equalities committees, as they challenged her decision to sign the letter to The Guardian. They had, they said, received hundreds of emails and letters from transgender people with concerns about her appointment. Mary-Ann defended her statements because, she said, she was opposed to 'attempts to close down debate'. She said her £25 donation to Allison Bailey's legal fund 'was very specifically because I was upset at seeing women being harassed or sacked from their jobs for peaceful expression of legally protected beliefs'. Those two committees who've been so influenced by the trans lobby have only an advisory role. It will be Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities, who will make the final decision. Surely ministers will not allow the transgender rights groups to stop her getting the job? She must not be silenced. Mary-Ann is a woman who knows what needs to be said in support of women who've had to beg for their safe places. Biology trumps gender. The Supreme Court said so. It must be repeated over and over until it sinks in and we don't have to worry any more about being bullied for our beliefs. Hands off our Bayeux tapestry! The Bayeux tapestry should not be coming here 'on loan' from the French. It's not theirs. It's ours, exquisitely stitched by hard-working English women, telling the story of the Battle of Hastings with lots of humour. William the Conqueror features, obviously, but why has France held on to him as a truly French conquering hero? His ancestors were actually Viking invaders of Normandy. Maybe invasion runs in families... The Bayeux tapestry was exquisitely stitched, likely by hard-working English women, to recount the story of the Battle of Hastings Top of a recent list of all-time favourite toys are Lego and Rubik's Cubes. Not my favourites, though. I've stood on far too many Lego pieces in bare feet and the Cube defeated me completely. Sons one and two both did it in a flash. Children are the real victims Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd has received texts from his girls – 15 and 11 years old – begging for money as they're about to become homeless. He says he is releasing the disturbing messages to show the children are being involved in his ex-wife Alice Evans' 'false and manufactured claim' that she is in financial crisis as he had been paying child support. Frankly, I think both parents are a disgrace. Marriages end and there's grief, but it's up to the adults – not their poor children – to sort things out. Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd pictured with wife Bianca Wallace. He has two children with ex-wife Alice Evans Smutty Gregg needs to grow up I remember Gregg Wallace when he and his late pal Charlie Hicks, a keen advocate for the home-grown produce industry, came on Radio 4 to talk fruit and veg. There was lots of barrow-boy bonhomie, but nothing too offensive. Gregg's wrong to say, in the light of his disgrace, that working class guys no longer have a place in broadcasting. Of course they do – but only if they've grown up enough to know women tend not to like smut with their apples and pears.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
NHS Fife equality lead sought guidance on trans staff policies, tribunal told
NHS Fife's equality lead sought guidance from other health boards before advising that a transgender doctor could use a female changing room, a tribunal has heard. Nurse Sandie Peggie was suspended from work at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife, on January 3, 2024 after she complained about having to share a changing room with trans medic Dr Beth Upton. After Dr Upton made an allegation of bullying and harassment and cited concerns about 'patient care', Ms Peggie was suspended but was notified of safety allegations on March 28, 2024 in a letter, the tribunal heard earlier this year. Ms Peggie has lodged a claim against Fife health board and Dr Upton, citing the Equality Act 2010, including sexual harassment; harassment related to a protected belief; indirect discrimination and victimisation. The tribunal in Dundee resumed on Wednesday after previous hearings in February, and comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled in April that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex', a ruling which has been publicly welcomed by Ms Peggie. Isla Bumba, NHS Fife's equality and human rights lead officer, told the tribunal on Wednesday she researched the policies of other health boards as there was no regional policy in place regarding trans employees in 2023. Questioned by NHS Fife's counsel Jane Russell KC, Ms Bumba said that in August 2023, her line manager Esther Davidson had sought advice on transgender policies. Ms Bumba said: 'Esther called me, I believe she had called me to ask for very generic and informal advice. I was told they had a transgender staff member who was due to join the workforce, she was seeking advice on how best to accommodate them particularly around changing rooms.' She added: 'I said it could be deemed discriminatory to not allow a trans person access to facilities that aligned with their gender, but I recommended that it might be worthwhile having a conversation with the person directly if they had been open about their trans status to see where they would be most comfortable.' Ms Bumba said she looked at policies from NHS Lanarkshire and NHS Highland, and was regularly communicating with peers in her role as part of the NHS Scotland Equality Leads Network, and she was also working on a draft patient policy. Ms Russell read from the NHS Highland policy which said: 'Staff must be treated in accordance with self-declared gender regardless of whether under medical supervision or having gender recognition certificate.' Ms Bumba said the policy 'exactly' aligned with her understanding, and at the time, a national policy Once For Scotland from NHS Scotland was being worked on in draft form. She said she believed the national policy had been 'soft launched' before being withdrawn in February 2025 due to legal proceedings. Ms Bumba said she was providing advice on trans issues 'relatively frequently… at least once a month or every couple of weeks', and she believed Dr Upton was not the only transgender employee at NHS Fife. Ms Bumba said she was contacted by Dr Upton's line manager, Dr Kate Searle, on December 8 2023, and referred to the draft national policy. Ms Bumba went on annual leave between December 24 that year until January 3 2024, when she said she became aware of a conflict between a doctor and a nurse. She told the tribunal she read a Datix report titled 'hate incident' and read an email from Dr Searle on January 8, and offered to have a chat 'to see what the plan was moving forward'. However she said this meeting did not happen as it was 'chaotic', and Dr Searle was off the following day. She said she had previously advised two line managers to speak to HR but believed they had already done so in her absence. Ms Bumba said: 'I believe the advice I gave was that from the information I'd been given it sounded like a very unpleasant incident, it could be deemed discriminatory and I recommended they seek advice from HR. 'I believe the Datix was listed as a hate incident which would suggest the person who listed it believed it was discriminatory.' However she said she had no further involvement until July 2024 when a press report prompted a meeting. Ms Bumba said: 'I did remind the group that the nurse involved was entitled to her beliefs and that gender-critical beliefs were protected under the Equality Act, but that the NHS expects staff to behave with care and compassion.' She said the draft patient policy was put on hold and NHS Fife was 'hesitant' about the draft national policy, the tribunal heard. Ms Bumba said: 'I believe the soft launch has been pulled since the onset of this tribunal.' Hours before the tribunal was due to restart, Ms Peggie's solicitor Margaret Gribbon said the nurse had been cleared of gross misconduct allegations following a separate health board disciplinary hearing. The inquiry continues.
