WOMEN IN PUBLIC LIFEBREAKING THE BARRIERS

Yvonne Strachan December 2015

Demonstrated leadership Strong strategic, legislative and policy framework Examples and models of women in leadership Cross party support for change Building on strong foundations of women’s

activism and engagement of organisations Set in context of wider gender equality

Climate for change..

What’s on the Horizon?

Equality Clause – proposed provisions

Timetable

Scottish Government legislative commitment

Scotland Bill - Equality

Consultation on diversity succession planning for board appointments to public authorities

Public reporting on progress Publication of gender composition of boards Lowering the threshold to 20 for reporting on

gender pay gap and equal pay statements including occupational segregation

Succession Planning for Boards

Launched June 2015 Signed up to date: 82 public bodies, 53 third

sector organisations and 30 companies

Partnership for Change: 50:50 by 2020

Increasing diversity of Ministerial public appointments Access to elected office Tackling occupational segregation, gender pay gap,

pregnancy and maternity discrimination, violence against women

Increasing provision of childcare, support for carers Continued support for women’s organisations and voice

in public policy and life Equality mainstreaming – policy and budget analysis and

assessment Promotion of equality and human rights

Gender equality..

Women in enterprise Women in employment Skills and learning Fair Work Convention Living wage

Gender equality..

Recognition of specific and diverse experiences and needs of women

Diversity in the participation and representation of women

Women are diverse

Gender equality - the task may seem….

Though there are significant challenges there are real opportunities for change and progress.

Scotland is potentially at a tipping point in terms of gender equality

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP November 2015

But there is opportunity..