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For much of British history, women had no say in how the country was governed. How times have changed in both UK and Scottish politics.

Women now serve as councillors, MSPs, MPs, cabinet secretaries, party leaders and community campaigners across political life. South Lanarkshire Council itself is made up of 64 elected councillors, including many women representing communities throughout the area, while East Kilbride has been represented in recent years by female councillors and MSPs including Collette Stevenson. (South Lanarkshire Council) We are proudly currently severed by a female MSP Collette Stevenson and MP Joani Reid of different parties.

No vote.
No representation.
No democratic voice.

Decisions affecting their lives, families, workplaces and communities were made almost entirely by men and often by those from wealthier parts of society far removed from the realities many ordinary women faced. Join our campaign to get as many females and men to vote this election. Its so important all of us are heard and represented. Tag us in your post to ensure it spreads as voting is open till late. Our hope is the highest turnout rate within EK. please support the campaign.

That is difficult to imagine today. But it is important we remember just how recently that changed.

More than one hundred years ago, women across the United Kingdom fought relentlessly for the basic democratic right to vote. Not only wealthy women or those from privileged backgrounds, but women from working class communities, factories, hospitals, homes and local neighbourhoods who believed their voices mattered equally within society. Women’s health and issues is an issue we have highlighted to advocate on in 2026 and would welcome any support from the community as we know there is major health disparities and treatment and knowledge of conditions including joining on to our board this issue is one close to the CEOs heart.

Brief History

The first breakthrough came in 1918 when some women gained the right to vote through the Representation of the People Act. Yet even then equality did not fully exist.

Women had to be over 30 and meet property or educational qualifications. Many younger and working class women still remained excluded from democracy entirely. it was not until 1928 that women finally gained equal voting rights with men regardless of class, wealth or background.

That moment transformed Britain. For the first time, women from all walks of life could help shape the future of the country equally at the ballot box.

That progress can still be seen today across Scotland and South Lanarkshire.

That would have been unthinkable to previous generations who were once denied even the right to cast a vote.

But democracy only remains strong when people participate in it.

Across East Kilbride, many residents tell us they feel frustrated by politics, disconnected from decision making or unsure whether their vote truly matters. Through our independent community engagement and surveys at The Community Impact / East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch, we regularly hear concerns surrounding NHS access, cost of living pressures, regeneration, antisocial behaviour, local investment and the future direction of the town.

Yet local elections and national elections directly shape many of those decisions.

Every vote contributes to the direction communities take. The women who fought for democratic equality more than a century ago did not do so for future generations to stay silent or disengaged. They fought because they believed ordinary people deserved a voice regardless of class, status or background.

That principle remains just as important today.

So whether you are voting for the first time, have voted your entire life or still remain undecided politically, we encourage everyone across East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire to take part in the democratic process and make their voice heard. Because history shows us progress only happens when people participate.

And East Kilbride needs you.

The Community Impact / East Kilbride Neighbourhood Watch