On International Women’s Day, 8 March 2024, the John Smith Centre, John Smith Trust and Faculty of Advocates came together to celebrate women in public life and spotlight how we can build a fairer, safer and more equitable societies for women and girls.
The event was hosted by Professor Kezia Dugdale, Director of the John Smith Centre, who was joined by three incredible women, all at different stages in their careers: Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, Kateryna Musiienko (Ukraine City Council Member and John Smith Trust Fellow), and Leah Duncan-Karrim (Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Barnardo’s and former John Smith Centre Emerging Leader).
“The world has to talk much more about the way women are abused and face violence globally.”
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC talks about what International Woman’s Day means to her.
The lively panel discussion addressed pressing issues such as confronting violence against women, fostering women’s empowerment, and recognising intersectionality. Speakers emphasised the need for societal transformation and gender equality, with Kateryna highlighting the importance of decolonising International Women’s Day. Participants underscored the role of both men and women in advocating for gender equality, economic empowerment, and social inclusion, aiming to inspire action and solidarity in creating fairer, safer, and more equitable societies for women and girls globally.
“Women have become warriors.”
Kateryna Musiienko, a city councillor in Ukraine, speaks about the atrocities women in the Ukraine face daily.
The event also marked 30 years of the legacy of John Smith QC MP. John was an early champion of women’s rights, introducing all-female shortlists in the Labour Party in 1993. This paved the way for a record number of female MPs being returned in the 1997 General Election. One of his enduring legacies is supporting emerging women leaders through the development programmes that were set up in his name.
John Smith’s daughter, Catherine Smith KC, board member for the John Smith Trust and co-founder and chair of the John Smith Centre, said: “John Smith was an early champion of women’s rights, introducing all-female shortlists in the Labour Party in 1993 – paving the way for a record number of female MPs being returned in the 1997 General Election.”
“We need to get better at how we talk about lived experience.”
Leah Duncan-Karrim, policy and public affairs officer at Barnardo’s, talks about intersectionality and the varying and multiple identities people hold.
The event concluded with a reception where panellists engaged in lively discussions with the audience.
Credit black & white images: Phoebe Grigor, colour images: John Smith Centre.
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