10 Jan 2003
People are being asked to nominate "unsung heroines" to become guests of honour at a reception to be hosted by the Scottish Secretary in Edinburgh Castle in March to mark International Women's Day 2003.
Helen Liddell has today written to all Scottish Members of Parliament asking them, with the help of local communities, to put forward the names of two women in their constituency who deserve a special thank you. The MPs will then forward the nominations to the Scotland Office.
The women will be invited to attend the third annual "Unsung heroines" reception on the 6thMarch 2003, in celebration of International Women's Day on the 8thMarch. Nominations must be with MPs by the 7thFebruary 2003.
Helen Liddell said:
"Many of Scotland's communities rely on the goodwill, humanity and selflessness of women who devote their lives to helping others.
"I wish to extend my thanks to these wonderful women who quietly and without seeking any reward make a difference to the lives of many people in the communities in which they live. This ceremony will be in honour of women whose good work often goes unrecognised.
"Sadly I can't invite all the women in Scotland who so richly deserve to be recognised, but with the help of all Scottish MPs, two can be nominated from each constituency.
"Last year's event was a great success. I hope this year I will be able to give just as many women, if not more, a big 'thank you' on behalf of us all. So if there's someone you want to nominate, get writing to your MP before the 7thFebruary closing date."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. International Women's Day was designated by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1977. Member countries may choose their own date, but the UN itself chose to observe 8 March. The date commemorates the strike on 8th March 1857 by New York women against poor conditions in the garment and textile factories, and is one of the first actions against poor working conditions by working women anywhere in the world.
2. Mrs Liddell first celebrated the work of unsung heroines in March 2001, following her appointment as first woman Secretary of State for Scotland in the then 118 year history of the post. She has held receptions on 7th March 2001 and 7th March 2002.