Written Question · S3W-34091 · Session 3
With reference to the report that was published jointly by the British Council Scotland and the Hansard Society, Has Devolution Delivered f…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, with reference to the report that was published jointly by the British Council Scotland and the Hansard Society, Has Devolution Delivered for Women?, how it will encourage and support the representation of women in the Scottish Parliament and in local authorities.
The answer
We welcome the report Has Devolution Delivered for Women? and anything which raises the importance of women''s representation in politics.
Scottish Government is supportive of increasing women''s involvement in politics at all levels. We fund organisations, such as the Scottish Women''s Convention and Engender, to encourage and empower a diverse range of women to become involved in the decision-making that impacts on their lives. They also work towards equal representation of women in government and public life.
Ministers regularly promote the fact that, since devolution with increased numbers of women in the Scottish Parliament, issues of particular concern to women, such as violence against women, have risen in profile. They also warn against complacency because gains can be lost.
Political parties have themselves the ability to take steps to increase women''s representation in elected bodies such as the Scottish Parliament and local councils. For example, the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 ensures that single sex shortlists are permissible, and section 106 of the Equality Act 2010 will, when commenced, allow the UK Government to require political parties to publish information on the diversity of their candidates at Scottish Parliament elections.
Political parties will have different approaches to the representation of women and may not all agree with taking specific measures to address under-representation. However, the current provision enables action to be taken, but does not require it of any political party.
Scottish Government is supportive of increasing women''s involvement in politics at all levels. We fund organisations, such as the Scottish Women''s Convention and Engender, to encourage and empower a diverse range of women to become involved in the decision-making that impacts on their lives. They also work towards equal representation of women in government and public life.
Ministers regularly promote the fact that, since devolution with increased numbers of women in the Scottish Parliament, issues of particular concern to women, such as violence against women, have risen in profile. They also warn against complacency because gains can be lost.
Political parties have themselves the ability to take steps to increase women''s representation in elected bodies such as the Scottish Parliament and local councils. For example, the Sex Discrimination (Election Candidates) Act 2002 ensures that single sex shortlists are permissible, and section 106 of the Equality Act 2010 will, when commenced, allow the UK Government to require political parties to publish information on the diversity of their candidates at Scottish Parliament elections.
Political parties will have different approaches to the representation of women and may not all agree with taking specific measures to address under-representation. However, the current provision enables action to be taken, but does not require it of any political party.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-34091 by reference.