Gude Cause 1909 and 2009
The work culminated in the re-enactment on 10 October 2009 of the 1909 Edinburgh procession, and was organised by volunteers, women's historians and community workers, in association with The Edinburgh Peace and Justice Resource Centre,[1] achieving the main goal of recreating the original procession in all its glory, while drawing attention to the problems that still need to be faced up to around the world, such as tackling domestic violence, forced marriage, sex trafficking and equal pay.
[1] Thousands of people from groups across Scotland had prepared for the day by creating banners, learning old and specially written songs, researching women's struggles in the past and discussing current issues and future aims.
The crowd on the day included women, men and children; students, activists, 'roller derby girls', the University of the Third Age, political parties, faith groups and trade unions; artists and academics; professionals and campaigners for women's rights, social justice and environmental justice, representing a wide spectrum of ages, ethnicities, attitudes and activism and a mixture of beliefs, traditions and movements.
[6] The research also showed that, when looked at as a group, women often had differing views to men on a wide range subjects,[6] including issues such as the war in Iraq or the replacement of the Trident nuclear missile system.
It followed, therefore, that the under representation of women and their views in the political process was not just an academic problem, but that this was likely to result in real deficiencies in government policy and decision-making in not taking into account of the needs of this group of the population.
[2] Despite the short notice, several hundred women turned up, walking along Princes Street and climbing Calton Hill to sing "Bread and Roses" and other feminist songs.
Meanwhile, the constitutional campaigners were organising exhausting caravan tours the length and breadth of the country – chalking details of meetings on pavements and enduring jeers on the streets.
[2] The leader of the British suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Christabel, were keynote speakers; participants included some of the first female graduates from Edinburgh University (like Muriel Scott) and a group of fishwives from Musselburgh.
It advertised to tens of 1000s the aim and objects of the suffragettes, and it made it abundantly apparent to all who had eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to understand, that behind this movement there is a solid phalanx of resolute and unflinching womanhood bent upon obtaining the vote, and fully determined that they will triumph over every obstacle!"
[2] MSPs, from across the political spectrum, who joined the procession included Fiona Hyslop, Sarah Boyack, Marilyn Glen, Shirley Anne Somerville and Patrick Harvie.
[17] Councillors joined the procession at this point and walked to Calton Hill where the Minister for Education, Fiona Hyslop MSP spoke on behalf of the Scottish Government.
