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The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht

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The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht

By: Susan Dalgety, Lucy Hunter Blackburn
Narrated by: Lucy Paterson
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On the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, this book captures an important moment in contemporary history: how a grassroots women's movement, harking back to the suffragettes and second wave feminists of the 1970s and 1980s, took on the political establishment - and changed the course of history.

Through a collection of over thirty essays and photographs, some of the women involved tell the story of the five-year campaign to protect women's sex-based rights. Author J.K. Rowling explains why she used her global reach to stand up for women. Leading SNP MP Joanna Cherry writes of how she risked her political career for her beliefs. Survivors of male violence who MSPs refused to meet are given the voice they were denied at Holyrood. Ash Regan MSP recounts what it was like to become the first government minister to resign on a question of principle since the SNP came to power in 2007. Former prison governor Rhona Hotchkiss charts how changes in prison policy in Scotland led to the controversy over Isla Bryson.

It is the story of women who risked their job, reputation, even the bonds of family and friendship, to make their voices heard, and ended up - unexpectedly - contributing to the downfall of Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first woman first minister.

Above all, it is the story of the women who wouldn't wheesht.

©2024 Susan Dalgety, Lucy Hunter Blackburn (P)2024 Hachette Audio UK
Gender Studies Law Social Sciences Women Women's Voices Thought-Provoking Inspiring
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Critic reviews

A genuinely fantastic book (Hadley Freeman)
A must-read (Sonia Sodha)
Probably the most important political work to come out of Scotland this century (Kevin McKenna)
All stars
Most relevant
A fascinating account of the attempt by the Scottish parliament to reform the gender recognition act. Told from perspectives of women who understood the repercussions,

Outstanding

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Sobering account of the near total loss of women’s rights in Scotland. In the 21st century.

Phenomenal

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Having followed what’s been going on since 2018 it’s terrifying how we have got to the position where we are! These brave Scottish women who had so much to lose, and in some cases did, have stood up and said no. The stories are terrifying & sound like something from a century ago and to think this is happening now should wake people up from their sleep! Everyone needs to read this book & then act, if not it will get worse. My only gripe is with the narration, did anyone listen before it was released? I nearly stopped listening as she kept spelling Terf, T.E.R.F rather than saying it, along with Filia etc which become beyond frustrating and gave me the feeling she has no idea what’s going on and is just reading as a job. Maybe this can be changed..

Scary how the Scottish government got away with it!

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If only all events that have challenged women's rights throughout history were so well documented. This is an excellent book, told from various viewpoints. Courageous women. I disagree with many of her views but Simone De Bevoir (apologies for the spelling) was correct about one thing: Women's rights are never secure and every generation will need to be prepared to fight for them.

Mothers - your daughters need to read or listen to this book.

Well read and great summary of events.

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The bravery of these Scottish women who still won't Weesht (stay quiet) is inspiring. I'm so glad this book has been written and published and that this important part of history has been recorded for posterity.

Powerful account of history being made

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