International Women's Day

It is truly an honour to have been appointed Vice Convenor of Alzheimer Scotland, not least because it will enable me to play an even more active role in supporting the organisation’s commitment to: ensuring that no person should face dementia alone; engaging in meaningful dialogue with the Scottish Government, which has led time and again to great improvements in care for those living with the condition; campaigning to ensure a better and fairer system of care for the people we support; caring for carers; and collaborating with the world-class scientific researchers we have in Scotland, to ensure that this small nation continues to lead the way in dementia prevention and cure, for a better chance of a better tomorrow for the current generation.

I am especially looking forward to collaborating in this new role with Tracey Ward, a bright, hard working and compassionate woman, with whom I feel I share a great passion for the work of Alzheimer Scotland and with whom I share the experience of having cared closely for parents living with dementia.

I think it is very fitting that this collaboration, between us two women, should be announced on International Women’s Day, when it is likely we will both, along with many other women, be taking time to reflect on the untold numbers of our sisters in every corner of our little world, on whom the honour (sometimes the burden) of caring, whether for people living with dementia or otherwise, so often falls unequally and without adequate support (although that is certainly not to ignore the vital work and efforts of many men and other people who act as carers across the planet).

I hope, in any case, that women and other humans across the world will take a moment today to recognise that caring is something not only to be celebrated and admired but also supported and funded adequately by societies, legal systems and by all the governments of the world.

I also hope that we will also all perhaps reflect today on the increasing role that women are playing in influencing the societal and political agenda on the causes which matter most to us - which in my case is certainly dementia and the multifarious issues around it. Movements for change, such as that behind International Women’s Day are no doubt in large part responsible for helping create equality of opportunity which has led to that (once unthinkable) reality.

My involvement with Alzheimer Scotland started because of a very special woman. Having experienced the support the organisation provided to my mum first hand, I was keen to give something back and was delighted to be able to join the Board a few years ago.

I am continually amazed by and grateful to all those who listen to, care for and advocate for people with Dementia and their families, both professionally and personally. Being on the Board has given me the opportunity to understand more about other work going on such as research and the role of innovation. 

Working with other Board members who have a variety of backgrounds and skills is a great experience and one that I think has helped me develop as an individual. I look forward to continued support of the organisation, the membership and most importantly, people like my mum and my family.