Celebrating WIJ Scotland's 'Girl Gang' on International Women's Day
By Amy Shearer
The Girl Gang.
A phrase thrown about frequently, emblazoned on canvas tote bags and hash tagged under the Instagram posts of posing pals enjoying an overpriced passionfruit martini.
A notion that seems new, yet really a concept that has existed for quite some time. In recent times our ears have been blessed with the sweet sound sensations, the Spice Girls. Before that, everyone and their granny wanted to sport a satin pink bomber jacket in a nod to the Pink Ladies.
In the fifties there were the 'Teddy Girls' - groups of females in London hitting back at austerity with androgyny. Going back further, women adorned in purple, white and green sashes caused a stir by smashing windows and throwing themselves under horses.
Now we have Women in Journalism Scotland (WiJS). A powerful group of brilliant women journalists who celebrate peers and offer advice when faced with dilemmas. A network of welcoming females who know how to lift one another up, champion change and offer support in everything from career progression to maternity pay queries.
Existing at different points in history, it could be hard to see what exactly links these groups of women.
“There is no question too silly nor problem too big”
To me, the answer is clear.
Rebellion.
On today, International Women's Day (IWD), it strikes me that throughout the years, women have always had to shout a bit louder whilst being told we should really keep the noise down.
At WiJS, we said 'Alexa, volume maximum'.
As a young female journalist, it's incredible how common misconceptions about the field fuel ignorance. I've turned up at jobs before and been asked if I am 'old enough' or 'qualified enough' to cover the story. I've answered a tannoy call to the newsroom to go down and greet someone at reception who has a story, only to arrive in front of the person to be asked 'Are you the journalist?'
There are still people out there who have a particular vision of what we should look like and get a real shock when they are not met with a man wearing a trilby hat and Tweed jacket, but a young woman sporting a zebra print blazer and orange kitten heels.
At WiJS, there is no judgement on what you are wearing or who you are, the organisation simply wants to provide the tools for success. Last year I was fortunate enough to be part of the mentor scheme and was paired with my 'Fairy Godmentor', Anna Burnside. She has provided a sounding board of well-informed advice, given me confidence to challenge injustices and also has instilled in me the importance of asking career questions so as not to live with regret.
It's not all work and no play - in-between chatting injustices and career progression, we can now be found charity shopping, sampling small plates or enjoying camp pantomime performances across the West.
Last year, I also joined the event committee alongside other fabulous female forces. Taking on the role within the organisation has allowed me to meet many new faces and strike up friendships with incredible people. Some of these new acquaintances I know only within the realms of Twitter, but seeing their smiling faces in a little circle in the likes or comments on a tweet is a support system I am truly grateful to have.
When we have been fortunate enough to come together as a group, whether at one of our many social events or informative workshops, the unwavering support carries into real life too. A hive of activity and positivity, meeting women who are at the top of their game is inspiring. The willingness of the group to share their skills and lift up their peers is something worth celebrating.
There is no question too silly nor problem too big, the network of support is there to offer guidance to anyone who may need it at that time.
WiJS continues to be a force for change. Just recently, the organisation planned and delivered an informative and free redundancy workshop open to all within just 24-hours of news breaking about mass redundancies in the industry.
Currently, we are accepting applications for a new bursary scheme in partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to provide five women journalists £1,500 to develop a project shining a light on economic and/or social inequalities across Scotland. A look through the website or social media channels also serves as a reminder of the incredible work that has happened and continues to happen.
As an organisation, we've rebelled against the stereotypes. We have championed change, celebrated achievements and fortified confidence. We have ensured that women feel they CAN shout about their achievements and have somewhere to turn in times of need.
We may have swapped toffee hammers for Twitter feeds, militancy for mentorships and National Gallery vandalism for informative newsletters, but we are rebels in our own way.
And it's a girl gang I'm proud to be a part of.