92-year-old Dorothy McDermott has shared an inspiring message this International Women's Day as she reflects on her life.
Born in 1928, Dorothy's mum was only able to vote for the first time aged 30 after women won the right to elect their governments.
And it was her upbringing that taught Dorothy the importance of standing up for her herself and other people, the message she wants to pass onto the younger generation today.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Dorothy, who now lives at Cramond Residence in Edinburgh, said: “I think women have played a great role in history – proved to be as strong as men – in many fields, they have shown great excellence.”
Asked about a time she had to stand up for herself, she added: "Life has been challenging for me. Many things that I have faced I have put behind myself, for example, I was widowed in 1972 – for 50 years since I’ve had to stand up for myself and for other people.
“I created a business by myself, making handmade jewellery and painting.
An evacuee during the war, Dorothy still doesn't let her troubles stop her today.
Despite Dorothy having crippling arthritis, she has refused to halt her passions for creativity and has enjoyed a hit with her latest project - making colour bead bowls.
The arts-loving pensioner, who trained as a silversmith, was inspired during lockdown to experiment with colourful Hama Beads.
Dorothy had also used her creative skills during the war, she explained: “During wartime I adapted old clothes into new ones and this was important to me as I was helping other people overcome their challenges.
“I was born in the year 1928, when my mother got her right to vote for the first time at age of 30!”
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Speaking about the need to pass her knowledge on to future generations, she said: “I feel this is the way I was brought up. My parents always taught important lessons that allowed myself to grow into the knowledgeable woman I am today.
“I always felt helping others is extremely rewarding and passing on my knowledge and wisdom is helping other people.”
