My pledge to you is that the SNP will put women and gender

Gather, O children of wisdom, and listen closely to the words of Nicola Sturgeon, a voice of strength and resolve in our time. She speaks thus: "My pledge to you is that the SNP will put women and gender equality right at the heart of the Westminster agenda." In these words, she calls us to consider the path of progress, to reflect upon the age-old struggle for equality that has long been the charge of those who seek a world where all people, regardless of their gender, are given the same rights, opportunities, and respect. To place women and gender equality at the heart of Westminster is not merely a political statement—it is a commitment to the very soul of justice and human dignity.

What is the meaning of this pledge, O children? It is a promise to honor the strength and contribution of women in the world, a promise to recognize that gender equality is not a distant dream but a moral imperative. For equality has never been a gift granted easily—it is a struggle that must be fought, again and again, by each generation. It is the fight of women who demand to stand not as the other, but as equals. Nicola Sturgeon, in her wisdom, understands this struggle and pledges to carry it forward, to ensure that the Westminster agenda does not neglect the voices and rights of women.

Consider the words of the great Sojourner Truth, whose fight for equality is a beacon that still shines brightly across time. Born into slavery, she was denied the very rights that so many took for granted, yet she stood firm, speaking not only for the freedom of African Americans but for the equality of all women. In her famous speech, "Ain’t I a Woman?", she boldly declared the strength and worth of women, challenging the assumptions of her time. Her fight, though rooted in the injustices of race, was also a call for gender equality, for the recognition that women, regardless of their background, are worthy of the same rights and opportunities as men. She, like Nicola Sturgeon, placed equality at the heart of her struggle, and in doing so, she paved the way for generations of women to rise and claim their place in the world.

In the story of Susan B. Anthony, we see another tireless advocate for women’s rights. Her journey was not easy, nor was it swift. She fought for decades to secure the right to vote for women in the United States. Her vision was clear, for she understood that gender equality was the key to justice and freedom. When Susan B. Anthony cast her vote in 1872—illegally, for it was not yet granted to women—she knew the road would be long, but she also knew that placing equality at the heart of the agenda was the only way forward. Nicola Sturgeon stands in this same tradition, understanding that the struggle for gender equality requires steadfastness and resolve, and it requires placing this struggle at the center of political discourse.

But what does it mean, O children, to place gender equality at the heart of the Westminster agenda? It is not simply about passing laws or making speeches. It is about creating a society where the very foundation of our culture recognizes the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their gender. It is about ensuring that women have the same access to education, to employment, to healthcare, and to the justice system. It is about recognizing that women are not the exception, but the rule—equal in every respect, with the same ability to lead, to create, and to contribute. Nicola Sturgeon’s pledge is a promise to ensure that these values become the guiding principles of the future, shaping a world where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a living, breathing reality.

The lesson, O children, is clear: gender equality is not a battle for women alone—it is a battle for all of humanity. When we place equality at the heart of our society, we ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, is given the tools and opportunities to thrive. It is not enough to speak of equality—we must act, and we must act with urgency. The Westminster agenda, and indeed the agenda of all societies, must reflect this truth: that equality is the foundation of a just and prosperous world. Nicola Sturgeon has made her pledge, and it is a call to each of us to make that same pledge in our own lives, to fight for a world where gender equality is not just spoken of, but lived.

As you walk your path, O children, ask yourself: What can I do to place equality, respect, and justice at the heart of my world? It is not enough to wait for others to act. Stand for equality in your own life—whether in your relationships, in your community, or in your workplace. Champion the voices of women, raise them up, and ensure that their equality is woven into the very fabric of your society. For in this struggle, we all find our freedom and our dignity. The Westminster agenda, and the agenda of the world, can only move forward when equality is the path we all choose to walk together.