Published 15 October 2024
A library project that helped empower, motivate and inspire confidence in young women in West Dunbartonshire has been shortlisted for a Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Project Excellence Award.
The annual award recognises excellence in library services and this year focused on library teams who demonstrated a wider positive impact on the communities they serve.
West Dunbartonshire Libraries was nominated for its innovative project, in partnership with the Young Women’s Movement (YWM), which saw young women in Clydebank using their art for activism.
Fourteen young women aged from 12 to 17 years old, worked with socially engaged artist and photographer, Nicola Stead, to explore how photography is used as an agent of change in visual representations of women and girls. In response to a range of feminist issues discussed during the workshops, participants made protest signs re-imagining a fairer Scotland for young women and girls and explored how their words and bodies could be used to create powerful messages of activism and resistance. Acting as both photographer and subject, the participants were able to take control of their own representation, defining their sense of self and their community.
Leader of the Council and Convener of Corporate Services, Councillor Martin Rooney, said: “I would like to congratulate the libraries team and these young women on being nominated for such a high profile, prestigious Scottish award. This is an excellent example of their commitment in standing out and speaking up on subjects that are close to their hearts. We have many inspiring projects running in our libraries and many services and supports offered in our branches across West Dunbartonshire. I am sure the subjects highlighted during the project will not only help girls and young women in our area but will be beneficial across Scotland.”
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, said: “We are committed to providing safe and inclusive places for our young people and it is very inspiring to hear how beneficial this project has been to the young women who took part in the workshops. Led by our committed library staff these young women have creatively raised subjects that are not only important to them but to all young women. I would encourage residents to view the group’s artwork which is still on display at Clydebank Library.”
The project was funded by YouthLink Scotland in partnership with Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government.