Your Weekly Wrap Up | 10-16 Mar 💦
From Spotify removing Andrew Tate’s podcast to a groundbreaking daily pill for endometriosis on the NHS — here’s what you need to know this week
Self-care note: This newsletter talks about child abuse, sexual assault, violence against women, and abortion. If you find this distressing or triggering, remember to take it at your own pace. You may prefer to read small sections, wait until you feel ready to read it all, or choose not to read it at all.
Hello hello 🌶️
Iris here — the founder of Pillow Talk Scotland!
I’ve been making the most of the gorgeous weather these past few days with some long walks. But today? It’s all about rest and a good book. I’m currently reading How to Understand Your Sexuality by Meg-John Barker and Alex Iantaffi (thanks Tom for the recommendation!) — highly recommend if you’re up for some thoughtful self-reflection.
Speaking of walks, we’re taking a big step (literally) for the project this year — our first-ever Kiltwalk! As a new charity, we rely on community support to keep doing what we do, and this is our biggest fundraising challenge yet.
I’ve just launched my crowdfunding page, and we’d love your support. Whether it’s donating a few quid, sharing the page, or even joining us on the walk, every bit helps us grow and continue our work — bringing better conversations about sex, relationships, and wellbeing to Scotland.
Now, onto this week’s biggest stories…
MSP calls for greater protection for women in politics 👩⚖️
Monica Lennon MSP has spoken out about safety concerns for women in politics after she was attacked while campaigning in Hamilton. Lennon described the May 2024 assault — where she was grabbed, repeatedly licked on the neck, and subjected to a sexual comment — as a "violation."
The attacker, Elspeth Wood, pled guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour. Lennon warns that harassment and violence against women in politics are becoming more common, adding that “this shouldn’t be part of the job.” She is now calling for better protections for politicians and campaigners, particularly during public outreach.
Source: Daily Record
Nicola Sturgeon: ‘We’ll be ashamed of the vilification of trans people’ 🏳️⚧️
In her first interview since announcing her retirement from politics, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon defended her support for gender recognition reforms, warning that in the future, people will look back with shame at the way trans people are being treated today.
Sturgeon, who will not seek re-election in 2026, championed the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, which aimed to simplify the process of legally changing one’s gender but was blocked by the UK Government. She called for a return to “civility and respect” in political debate.
Source: STV News
NHS approves first daily pill for endometriosis treatment 💊
The first long-term daily pill for endometriosis has been approved for use on the NHS in England and Wales and could help about 1,000 women living with the condition.
The treatment, known as ‘relugolix combination therapy’, works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to endometriosis while providing necessary replacement hormones.
The tablet can be taken at home and will be available only for people who have already tried all other treatment options, both medical and surgical, which have not helped.
Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million people assigned female at birth in the UK, causing a variety of symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and extreme fatigue.
Source: The Guardian
Education and prevention on chemsex are urgent, experts warn 🚨
According to a new investigation by ITV News, three people a month died of chemsex-related problems in London in 2023.
The investigation also revealed that services suspect a high incidence of chemsex-related issues in all drug presentations at a central hospital in the city.
However, the NHS does not yet have a dedicated coding system for the substances used, making it difficult to track data and fund intervention strategies.
Chemsex is the use of drugs such as GBL\GHB and Crystal Meth to enhance sex. It is most common among men who have sex with men and can be managed by some, but can be problematic and addictive for others.
Experts call for urgent action to improve education, prevention and intervention strategies for what they called a "silent crisis", still stigmatised and overlooked.
Source: ITV News
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Women’s health startups take on Big Tech over digital censorship 🚫
Six women's health companies have accused major online platforms, including Meta, Google, Amazon, and LinkedIn, of “systemic bias and discrimination” against women's health content.
They said that these platforms have repeatedly blocked, removed or banned their content on women's health, including posts on endometriosis, fertility and menopause.
For this reason, they have decided to file formal complaints with the European Commission and asked for an investigation into the policies and rules of the online platforms.
Source: Tech EU
Spotify removes Andrew Tate’s podcast after complaints 🎧
Spotify has removed Andrew Tate’s podcast ‘Pimping Hoes’ after user complaints and a petition signed by over 92,000 people.
The series was found to breach Spotify’s content policies, which prohibit dehumanising statements and harassment. The removal follows reports that some Spotify employees had also raised concerns internally.
However, other Tate-hosted content remains on the platform, including a so-called “PhD course” on dating, which promotes controlling women and restricting their independence.
Tate and his brother are currently facing charges of human trafficking and rape in Romania and are also wanted by UK authorities in a separate investigation.
Source: The Guardian
Protests erupt after eight-year-old rape victim dies in Bangladesh ⚖️
An eight-year-old girl who was raped in Magura, Bangladesh, has died from her injuries, sparking mass protests demanding justice and legal reforms. Her mother filed a case against her sister’s husband and his family, who have since been arrested.
The child had spent days in critical condition before passing away on Thursday. Thousands attended her funeral, while activists in Dhaka called for urgent changes to protect women and children. A trial is expected to begin within the next week.
Source: BBC News
Maternal deaths remain alarmingly high worldwide 🤰🏾
A new global analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that a pregnant woman or new mother dies every two minutes — most from preventable causes. The report highlighted severe bleeding, high blood pressure complications, and infections as the leading contributors, with women in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia facing the highest risks.
Despite some progress, researchers stress the need for better emergency care, mental health support, and systemic healthcare improvements to prevent these deaths.
Source: Euronews
Ian McKellen urges closeted actors to ‘get into the sunshine’ ☀️
Sir Ian McKellen has called on Hollywood’s closeted stars to come out, saying he has “never met anybody who came out who regretted it.” In an interview with The Times, the Lord of the Rings star encouraged actors to ignore industry pressure and trust their instincts, arguing that secrecy is unnecessary in today’s world.
McKellen compared the situation to football, suggesting agents and managers are giving bad advice out of fear for their own incomes. “The first Premier League footballer to come out will become the most famous footballer in the world,” he said, adding that the same applies to actors.
Source: Them
That’s all for this week’s wrap up, but plenty is happening beyond the headlines. From workshops to book clubs, here’s what’s coming up across Scotland.
Ever needed to speak up but didn’t know how? Join our advocacy workshop
Join us in Glasgow for an empowering and interactive workshop designed to help women enhance their advocacy skills! Hosted by Pillow Talk Scotland in collaboration with She Advocates Society, this session is all about equipping you with the tools to stand up for yourself and others — no matter the topic at hand.
Other spicy (and cuddly) events happening soon🌶️
Queer Theory: Gender Splendour. 14 March, Glasgow.
The Psychology of Attachment Styles with Cate Mackenzie. 18 March, Edinburgh.
Sex Positive Reading Group (18+). 25 March, Glasgow.
Trans Pride March. 29 March, Kirkcaldy.