FEW places could compare with Tameside when it comes to embodying the theme for International Women’s Day 2021 which is today (March 8): women in leadership.
During the year-long pandemic women have occupied many of the most high-profile posts in the borough, playing a key role in the battle to suppress the coronavirus while protecting and sustaining the population.
Cllr Brenda Warrington has been in charge of the local authority operation as executive leader of Tameside Council and a vice-chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. She has overseen a huge support programme that has made sure essential services have been maintained through lockdowns and tough restrictions.
From a medical perspective, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy is not only the borough’s director of public health but president of the UK Association of Directors of Public Health. Karen James is chief executive of Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
The Civic Mayor of Tameside is another woman, Cllr Janet Cooper. She and Pauline Town, who helps the homeless under the We Shall Overcome banner, have set an impressive example in supporting the vulnerable during the most challenging period they have faced since the Second World War.
Jackie Moores, principal at Tameside College, holds a key role within the field of education.
The full and effective participation of women in these and other areas makes Tameside a beacon of progress in a world where the United Nations says women are still grossly underrepresented in public life and decision-making.
Asked what has made her proud about the council’s response to the pandemic, Cllr Warrington answers without hesitation: “The response of council staff.
“I can’t tell you how amazing they’ve been in the way they’ve supported each other and made sure that services are maintained.
“If any of our staff ever thought they had a 9 to 5 job I’m sure they quickly forgot, but everything has been done with great camaraderie. I’m very grateful.
“It goes right back to the start when they were having to cover for people who were shielding so that all services, but particularly the front-facing ones the public encounter most, didn’t suffer.
“They’ve also helped our partners and are currently involved in the roll-out of the vaccine and rapid testing programmes. Then there’s been support for the vulnerable, for education, to help the hospital manage discharges, and in so many other ways.
“I’m also proud of the community groups and volunteers who have selflessly given of their time to help others in a way they probably never expected to do. The question ‘what can I do to help?’ has never meant so much.”
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy believes one major positive to emerge from the pandemic is the way it has shown ability is the crucial factor when dealing with an international emergency.
She said: “Being president of the UK Association of Directors of Public Health during a pandemic has been remarkable and to be able to use my skills, knowledge and leadership at this time has been a real privilege.
“My team is largely made up of women and in that sense women have been leading Tameside’s public health effort. I believe that shows your gender isn’t relevant when doing a job. It’s your skills, expertise and experience that define what you can contribute.”
Dr de Gruchy also feels that at a time such as International Women’s Day it’s important not to overlook the fact that, internationally, it’s women who have felt the effects of covid-19 most keenly.
She explained: “One of the key issues of the pandemic is how on one level we’ve all been in it together, but on another it has shown up the inequalities in our society and made them worse.
“Particularly for women, I think there have been real issues as certain roles have fallen on them such as child-care or care of old people, which has made life much more difficult. Many have to go out to work.
“These factors exposed younger and middle-aged women to the virus and make them more likely to contract it. We really need to be aware of these issues and how we can tackle them.”
Dr de Gruchy’s sentiments were echoed by hospital chief executive Karen James and Tameside College principal Jackie Moores.
Ms James said: “At Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care Foundation Trust more than 80 per cent of our workforce are women. I’m really pleased to be able to lead this workforce as the trust’s chief executive. International Women’s Day is an important day to reflect and appreciate the contribution woman make to all sectors, in all countries.”
Jackie Moores added; “I appreciate the opportunities I have had as a woman in the UK.
“I feel it’s my responsibility to nurture and support all future talent in my organisation. In further education this is particularly the case for women who remain under-represented in leadership roles.”
A little over 12 months ago, Cllr Janet Cooper was looking forward to taking up the chain of office as civic mayor.
Covid may have put her in the history books as the only mayor of Tameside to be installed virtually, but restrictions have prevented her from carrying out almost all the duties she was relishing. Fund-raising for her charity appeal – something very close to her heart – has proved impossible.
The Mayor’s response has been to demonstrate the caring nature that women are known for. She has used her post as Tameside’s first citizen to redouble her efforts within the community, both as a ward councillor for Longdendale and as a general volunteer.
“I haven’t been able to my duties as I would have wished, but it’s still been a very busy year, just in a different way,” Cllr Cooper said.
“Wherever possible I’ve tried to use my time to provide support in the community. I’m involved with the Longdendale covid helpline and have been taking prescriptions to people who can’t get out. At the moment I’m putting together Easter packs for children.
“I really wanted to invite lots of groups and people into the mayor’s parlour at Dukinfield Town Hall to thank them for all they do. Sadly it’s not been possible, but God willing I can do that in 2021-22 as I’ve been asked to stay on as civic mayor for a second year.
“It’s also my intention to help my chosen charities as much as possible. They’re all local and have had to do a lot more during the pandemic while unable to fund-raise.”
The Mayor’s care ethic has been displayed by many more women in Tameside, but never more so than by the legendary Pauline Town who heads the Ashton-based We Shall Overcome initiative to feed and aid the homeless.
Even though her Warrington Street pub has been closed since the first lockdown was imposed, her commitment to the cause remains undimmed. At the moment the Station Hotel is more like an army supply depot than a hostelry. It’s packed with stacks of food and drink that is issued to a growing number of people.
“This time last year we were busy if we saw 60 people a day. Now 110 equals busy which means the number has almost doubled, but our motto is solidarity not charity. We never judge anyone,” Pauline commented.
“There’s a general belief that if you’re homeless you must be an addict, but it’s not the case. Last year, some of the people we’re helping now would have been making donations to us rather than accepting them. The pandemic has put great pressure on personal relationships and created a different dynamic.
“Luckily we all help each other in Tameside through the Stronger Together network set up by the council. We have a great relationship with their homelessness unit and Lisa Shepherd at Greystones. Cllr Brenda Warrington has been an inspiration.”
Summing up International Women’s Day, Cllr Warrington said: “While there are women such as myself and my colleagues in leadership roles, all women play their part. It’s not given to us all to be an Emmeline Pankhurst but it matters just as much that a woman keeps her family safe. Her walk of life is irrelevant.
“For me, the importance of International Women’s Day is that it celebrates all women, but we shouldn’t confine that celebration to only once a year or just focus on the women who appear to be ‘doing something’.
“International Women’s Day should be something that inspires to make sure all women – whatever their status – receive all the support and opportunities they need to be the best they can be.”