Delegates and MSPs at the Scottish Parliament

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS' CONFERENCE In March 2005, Musselburgh hosted a conference to celebrate International Women's Day. The conference brought together 38 women from Musselburgh (Scotland), Champigny sur Marne (France), Rosignano Marittimo (Italy) and Pardubice (Czech Republic) to discuss the theme: Building a New Life in Scotland and Europe; issues relating to Refugees, Asylum Seekers and overseas people living and working in a new and different European country and culture.

Over the three days there were discussions, visits and entertainment, all related to the theme. There were 3 local speakers who had been either immigrants or refugees, discussions with three Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) at the Parliament Building and visits to two Edinburgh organisations concerned with refugees and immigrants.

Meeting the MSPs in Parliament	Discussions at the Scottish Parliament
Debate at the Brunton Hall, Musselburgh	... and relaxing afterwards

All the women who took part said the Conference had given them the opportunity to share experiences and views with colleagues from a wide variety of European countries. Nearly two-thirds said that they had increased their knowledge of the situation of refugees and asylum-seekers in some European countries. A similar number said that the conference had dispelled some myths concerning asylum-seekers and refugees in other E.U. countries. A number of recommendations were drawn up for discussion and endorsement by local authorities in the participating towns.

Page created by Rod Reeves, July 2005.

Go back to the top of the page     Go back home