"A FORCE for good", "wise, kind and dynamic," and "an incredible woman" — tributes have been paid to women's rights campaigner Emma Ritch after her sudden death.
Colleagues at Engender, the Scottish feminist organisation led by Ritch, announced her death in an online post this morning.
As well as being its executive director, Ritch was chair of the board of Rape Crisis Scotland and a member of the Scottish Government’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls.
She died suddenly on Friday. In a statement, Engender staff expressed their "profound sadness", saying: "Emma’s death is a huge shock to us all."
The statement read: "Over a career dedicated to realising women’s equality and rights, Emma has been hugely influential in the movement in Scotland, through both her paid work and in a number of voluntary roles. Her intelligence and insight, kindness, and passionate feminism have made Scotland a better place for women, as well as enriching the lives of those who knew her personally."
The charity's office will be closed this week.
This is dreadful and devastating news. Emma was such a force for good - a passionate advocate for women’s rights and a champion of justice and equality. She was also a cherished friend to many. She will be missed beyond words. Sending love to her family, friends and colleagues. https://t.co/0sGfOHK0ql
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) July 12, 2021
The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Scotland and beyond. Nicola Sturgeon called it "dreadful and devastating news", adding: "Emma was such a force for good — a passionate advocate for women’s rights and a champion of justice and equality. She was also a cherished friend to many. She will be missed beyond words. Sending love to her family, friends and colleagues."
Alison Scott, deputy director of Edinburgh Medical School, described Ritch as "a wise, kind and dynamic woman who led with compassion" and Netball Scotland CEO Claire Nelson called her "an incredible woman".
Meanwhile, the Icelandic women's rights association Kvenréttindafélags Íslands said: "Emma was a kind, brilliant and fiercely feminist voice for change in Europe. We will miss her very much here in Iceland. Our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues."
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie MSP said: "Emma Ritch was an extraordinary, warm, generous, and thoroughly wonderful person who advanced the cause of equality immeasurably."
And The National columnist Lesley Riddoch said: "Emma was funny, sharp, generous and brave.
"Hard to believe this terrible news out of the blue. My thoughts with friends, family and all who worked with Emma.
"Tomorrow truly is promised to no-one."
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