In her inspiring talk, Baroness Helena Kennedy paid tribute to Soroptimist International as a remarkable organisation. When asked recently by the BBC what the word Soroptimist meant, she answered – optimistic sisters across the world. What a lovely way to think of ourselves!
Baroness Kennedy reminded us that equality for women is still a goal waiting to be achieved. There is an absence of women in the senior judiciary. Most of the gatekeepers to the senior roles are men. Women can be still seen as too ‘pushy’ if they are ambitious. Women need to take a prominent part in all areas of society and public life to reflect the world we all live in.
She praised our involvement in the Reducing Women’s Imprisonment joint project of the UK Programme Action Committee with the Prison Reform Trust. Jailing women has less impact when so many have social problems and are victims themselves of abuse in all it’s forms – going to jail does not tackle these problems.
Baroness Kennedy recently chaired an enquiry into trafficking and the scourge of modern day slavery: looking at the women and girls (men and boys too!) being trafficked into domestic servitude, living in dire conditions in addition to those trafficked for sexual purposes.
On the internet, the world of blogging, which is very male orientated, can be for the prostitution of women where men can ‘give marks out of ten’ for women’s ‘services’. Also on the internet, there is a degrading volume of pornography that that young people can be exposed to. She also raised concern about the sexualisation of young girls and the rise of self-harming.
Baroness Kennedy highlighted improvements that have been made in many areas to bring about equality for women but said there is still much to do. We know how much more can be done be working together. Her words will resonate with us: we have to support each other and be the voices of those who can only remain silent. Doing this means putting our heads above the parapet.
I’m just ordering a copy of her book, Eve was Framed: Women and British Justice as I want to know more. See you above the parapet!
Report by Pam Allinson – SI Wales South Region
Glasgow-born Baroness Kennedy QC, is one of Britain’s most distinguished lawyers.
She has spent her professional life giving voice to those who have least power within the system, championing civil liberties and promoting human rights. The TV legal drama, Blind Justice, was based on her experiences.
She has used many public platforms – including the House of Lords, to which she was elevated in 1997 – to argue with passion, wit and humanity for social justice. She has also written and broadcast on a wide range of issues, from medical negligence to terrorism to the rights of women and children.
Sunday Herald readers said: ‘She constantly champions victims and never forgets Glasgow. She exudes justice… Ideal presidential material should Scotland ever become a Republic!’