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If I can do it so can you
Eleanor fights odds to win degrees
Fife Branch's Eleanor Hagget is thought to be the first woman
UNISON activist to graduate from Stirling University with
an MSc in Industrial Relations.
For Eleanor, the success last month is the culmination of
a long road which started with anger at prejudice against
women workers with children.
"I left school to joint the WRNS and qualified in school
of accountancy. When I left and joined local government, that's
when the prejudices began", explained Eleanor.
"I was only qualified via RN certificates, I was a woman
and I had two little children.
"So despite asking to go on day release I was always refused
for various reasons like, how would I manage to study with
two little children."
This was before Eleanor was an active trade unionist but
these obstacles only strengthened her determination.
"Eventually I negotiated flexi-leave and studied for HNC
in Community Development and Economics", said Eleanor. She
then applied for funding for an honour degree at the Open
University but was refused.
She lodged a grievance which was eventually upheld by councillors
and she went on to achieve a BSc Hons in Applied Sociology,
leading to more qualifications and eventually the MSc.
"This was all done initially as a protest however I did move
it on as I enjoyed the studying and learning and found it
very challenging particularly with a family, full time work
and trade union activities", said Eleanor.
In addition to her academic success, Eleanor went on to become
branch service conditions officer, welfare officer, chair
of UNISONScotland Welfare Committee and delegate to the Local
Government Committee. She was also elected to the Scottish
Committee, the top lay structure in Scotland.
Eleanor's advice to everyone is, "For anyone, male or female
with a family, do not be put off learning. It's not about
being clever, it's about being determined to succeed and willing
to work hard and you'll do it.
"Neither is it about age. After all I started in my early
thirties.
"After all, if I can do it, so can you".
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