Feminist charity launches 10 point programme for women's equality
A roadmap has been set for achieving women’s equality in Scotland.
Feminist policy group Engender has set out a series of actions it says the Scottish Government must take to make the country more equal for women by 2030.
Its Gender Matters Roadmap was launched at the start of a two day conference celebrating feminist change in Scotland.
The report covers 10 key areas, including care, violence against women, employment and health.
Emma Ritch, executive director of Engender, launched the report saying: “It’s a very exciting time to be a feminist, and in Scotland we have seen the beginnings of what can be achieved under the leadership of a feminist first minister.
“As we look around us at life for women in Scotland, it is possible for us to find cause to celebrate and cause to increase the volume of our calls for women’s equality.
“Because the fact remains that women are hugely unequal in Scotland. We are more likely to bear the brunt of social security cute, to take on unpaid caring responsibilities, to work part time for low pay, to suffer violence and abuse, and to face discrimination in all spheres of life.
“This roadmap sets the course for a 2030 where all women in Scotland have more access to power, to resources, and to safety.
“It was created in collaboration with women across Scotland, and builds on the work of the generations of Scottish women who have advocated for women's rights.
“What remains now is to see these policies enacted, and commitment to women’s equality made a reality.”
Angela Constance MSP, cabinet secretary for equalities, was the opening speaker at the conference and welcomed the launch of the roadmap.
She said: “Earlier this week our Programme for Government made clear that equality remains a priority for this Government. We will not stop, we will not slow down, we will not falter in our pursuit of women’s rights and of a truly equal Scotland.
“I would like to thank Engender and everyone else who contributed to the Gender Matters Roadmap.
“I am looking forward to hearing the outcomes of this conference and will fully consider the recommendations made in the Roadmap to continue our work in partnership with Engender to achieve equality.”
