The husband of a prominent women's rights campaigner who died suddenly has said she was proof that "one person can make a difference" in a touching tribute as she was honoured by a Scots university.
Emma Ritch, who was Executive Director of the policy think tank Engender, suddenly passed away in July this year.
She dedicated much of her life to advancing feminism in Scotland and was a member of a number of influential organisations shaping policy on women's rights both in her native country and across the globe.
She was awarded a posthumous doctorate by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) today in recognition of her outstanding contribution to gender policy and advancing women’s rights and economic status.
“If you doubt one person can make a difference, Emma did it every day," said her husband, Kenny Ritch.
"Driving national equality policy change, inspiring a life of work in others by taking the time to encourage and make sure their voices were heard, picking a friend up when the world is unkind.
"She did all of these things (often wearing stripy socks) and none were more important than the other.
“I know she would congratulate all of you on achieving your degrees and wish you all, and of course everyone in the audience today, future success.”
Ms Ritch was a regular guest lecturer at GCU and contributor to modules on gender; women work and income; human rights; and public policy.
She was also a strong supporter of the University’s WISE Research Centre and a committed advocate for feminist economics, held in high regard in feminist policy and politics in Scotland and internationally.
Also receiving an honorary degree was Paralympian rugby star Michael Kerr, who was recognised with a Doctor of Science for his sporting achievements and support for the development of sport for athletes with a disability.
A World Champion and Double Paralympian (2012 and 2016) in wheelchair rugby, the athlete suffered an accident when he was younger that led to him becoming wheelchair-bound.
He has since created the Michael Kerr Active Project, a charity to help other people who have suffered life-changing injury.
He said: “It’s a massive honour to have your achievements recognised in this way."
Why are you making commenting on The Herald only available to subscribers?
It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse.
heraldscotland.com is tackling this problem by allowing only subscribers to comment.
We are doing this to improve the experience for our loyal readers and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. We also hope it will help the comments section fulfil its promise as a part of Scotland's conversation with itself.
We are lucky at The Herald. We are read by an informed, educated readership who can add their knowledge and insights to our stories.
That is invaluable.
We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse.
In the past, the journalist’s job was to collect and distribute information to the audience. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com
Comments & Moderation
Readers’ comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. We do not pre-moderate or monitor readers’ comments appearing on our websites, but we do post-moderate in response to complaints we receive or otherwise when a potential problem comes to our attention. You can make a complaint by using the ‘report this post’ link . We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments.
Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours.
Read the rules here