INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
International Women's Day is a global day marked annually on March 8th, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
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The UN's theme for 2021 is "women in leadership: achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world". We asked our members to talk about the women that inspire and lead them in their policing career.
Elaine Wilkinson of SPA Board
"When thinking about inspiring leaders our deputy chair instantly thought of Elaine.
Elaine Wilkinson is a Board Member of the Scottish Police Authority. She served on the Board since 2015 and has been Chair of the SPA's Resources Committee.
Over the years Elaine has been the driving force behind the Authorities challenge and scrutiny of policing resources. She worked with the SPA and Police Scotland on the transformation of the finance service which now unrecognisable from a few years ago.
Elaine’s leadership provides a powerful women's role model in policing and one that will be sorely missed when her current tenure ends."
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Deputy Chair, John McNellis
Superintendent Ann Bell, Safer Communties - Police Scotland.
"I have never known anyone to be so passionate about their work and constantly wanting to learn. She is incredibly approachable and will always have time for anyone who needs her support and talks to you as an equal (which is rare in policing ranks). She is a proud mother and is not scared of showing it. Supt Bell’s is a strong believer in and understands the need for equalities and is a true LGBT Ally. I have been very fortunate to have known someone so inspirational in my career."
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Chair, Ross Jackson.
Inspector Dani Giannoni, Wellbeing & Inclusion Inspector - Police Scotland.
"She has been carrying out invaluable work during Covid-19 to support officers and staff including the roll out of mental wellbeing training to provide colleagues with a more holistic approach to support their health.
Dani is an inspirational leader and a visible and active LGBTI ally. She attended the first 'Sunday Saunter' event organised by the Scottish LGBTI Police Association to show her commitment and dedication to the health and wellbeing of police officers and staff.
She regularly goes above and beyond to help others and is currently supporting the first ever virtual police work experience for high school pupils throughout Glasgow.
Dani is known for being kind, approachable, trustworthy and knowledgeable. She is without doubt a role model to everyone she has worked with throughout her service to date and the work she has been carrying out throughout the pandemic will have a lasting positive impact on members of Police Scotland. "
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Welfare and Wellbeing rep, Ashley Toner-Maxwell
For more information on International Women's Day and to learn about other inspiring role models, head over to
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https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
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