Pictured (left to right): Councillors Laura Murtagh, Anne Hannah, Siobhan Paterson, Cecil Meiklejohn and Stacey Devine are hoping to inspire other women to Take the First Step into local politics.
Have you ever thought about becoming a local councillor, or how you can make a difference in your local community?
If the answer is yes, come along to a free event - run in partnership with Elect Her - that aims to highlight how women like you can step into local government, balance life's commitments, and bring your unique voice to politics.
Taking place on Sunday 2 February in Trinity Church, Falkirk, between 1pm to 3pm, the First Step to Stand event aims to demystify the role of a councillor and empower and inspire more women to step into local politics and community activism.
Why we need more women in politics
Women bring unique perspectives and priorities to politics. Yet despite making up half the population, they remain underrepresented in local government. This event hopes to change that, ensuring as diverse a range of voices are involved in decisions that affect our communities.
At the event, you’ll meet six inspiring female councillors from across the political spectrum – Cllrs Cecil Meiklejohn, Anne Hannah, Siobhan Paterson, Stacey Devine, Laura Murtagh, and Sarah Patrick. They’ll share their journeys, discuss the impact of their work, and show how they balance their roles in local government with their work and personal life.
Cllr Siobhan Paterson, event organiser, said: "We’ve organised this event to show women that becoming a councillor and making a difference is achievable, even while balancing work and family commitments. We understand the pressures women face, but we also know how rewarding it can be to take on this role and contribute to your community.
“By providing practical advice, honest insight, and the chance to connect with like-minded women, we hope the event will inspire women to see how their unique skills and life experiences can make a real difference in local government and their communities.
“If you’ve ever thought about stepping into politics or just want to find out more about what councillors do, we’d encourage you to come along and take part in friendly discussions in a safe and welcoming environment."
What you’ll gain from attending
With insight and personal stories from the six councillors, the event will help to:
- demystify the role of a councillor, explaining what councils do, what their role involves, and the skills needed
- inspire women to get involved, highlighting how female councillors balance their political lives with careers, families, and personal commitments
- highlight the positive impact of women in politics, from better decision-making to addressing community priorities
To make it easier for those who have young children to attend, a children’s area with games, cartoons, and adult supervision will be available, so there’s no need to worry about arranging childcare.
Whether you're ready to stand in the next local election or just want to find out more about how you can get involved in local politics or community activism, this event is for you.
To reserve your free place, click the green button below.
Inspiring stories
Two of the councillors who will be at the event explain why they got into local politics and how they balance being a councillor with family and work.
They hope their stories inspire you to come along to the First Step to Stand event.
