Power and Participation
•Out of our 129 MSP’s, 45 are women (34%). Scotland fell from 4th to 13th place in world league tables of women in parliament
•Only 22% of local councilors are women
•Women account for only one third of all public appointments
'As a nation we cannot afford to waste the talent available to run our national institutions. As well as the moral argument for gender equality in positions of power and influence, women's participation in public, political and cultural institutions can play a pivotal role in the advancement of women'
Sex and Power Scotland 2011
The issues surrounding womens under-representation and participation in politics and public life are complex.
Engender has been active in this field for many years and while women's representation in parliament has been a significant priority, we address the wider aspects of women's representation and participation in all aspects of public life and decision-making. Therefore we address the issues of women's participation and capacity to engage in representative politics at all levels - local/regional/national/European - but also in key decision-making arenas - for example, in public bodies - as well as in industry and the economy, and society more widely.
The lack of progress in increasing women's participation in councils is disappointing, with the 22% figure reaining static in 2007. The 2011 Scottish Parliamentary elections saw women's representaion rise slightly to 34.8% but this is against the worrying backdrop of fewer women candidates. That has reinforced our view that work on researching, analysing, facilitating and promoting women's participation needs to be continuous and not just confined to the period immediately before elections.
Engender Supports
- Positive action measures to ensure that political parties select equal numbers of female and male candidates
- The right to request flexible working to be extended to all and at every level of every workplace
- Work that empowers women from across the diversity of Scotland to participate equally in public life
Latest News
The Chrystal MacMillan Lecture
Edinburgh University hosted the inaugural Chrystal MacMillan lecture on 21st November. Professor Pippa Norris, gave an overview of women's political representation around the world and examined the measures that have been taken in different countries to increase numbers. Engender Director, Niki Kandirikirira reflelcts on the evening and the role Edinburgh University can play in securing Chrystal MacMillans legacy. Read more
Has the time come for Quotas? Engender at the Festival of Politics
Engender took part in this year's Festival of Politics with a discussion on whether the time had come for quotas to ensure gender balance in our parliament. On our panel was Labour MSP Sarah Boyack, SNP MSP Clare Adamson, Lib Dem Candidate Katy Gordon and Nan Sloane, Director of the Centre for Women and Democracy. The session was chaired by Dr Fiona MacKay from Edinburgh University.
Read Engender's briefing on quotas here
Sex and Power Scotland 2011
The Equality and Human Rights Commission have published a report into women's representation in public life. It paints a picture of ebb and flow with the number or women increasing in some areas and decreasing in others but overall we still have 'missing' women in positions of power and influence. Download the report
Govt reform agenda will impact on women's representation in public life
The Centre for Women and Democracy have published a report into the affect proposed UK govt legislation will have on women's participation in public life. Unintended Consequeces reveals that many of the reforms will mean fewer opportunties for women and recommends quotas to ensure women are represented in some areas. Download Unintended Consequences
Women and Parliaments in the UK revised
Women and Parliaments in the UK by Dr Catriona Burness is a fantastic resource which brings the facts and figures together to tell the story of womens political representation in the UK parliaments. The original report as been revised (July 2011) to include the results of the 2010 General Election and the 2011 elections to the devolved governments. Download Women in Parliaments in the UK 2011
Scottish Government launch public appointments website
The new public appointments website has been set up to encourage a diverse range of applicants to apply for roles in public bodies. The website aims to raise the awareness of the work of public bodies and the need for them to relect the make up of the public they serve. See http://www.appointed-for-scotland.org/
New Project - Women in Public Life
Through the EU Interreg programme, Engender will be working with women’s organisations in Northern Ireland on a project aimed at encouraging women living in rural areas to become involved in the political process at local, national and European level. Working with women in the North West of Ireland and the West coast of Scotland, the project will offer training and support to enable women to become involved in the decision making process which will have a positive effect on the delivery of public services.
See here for the projects Aims and Objectives
European Women's Lobby 50/50 Campaign
Find out about the campaign for equal representation in the European Parliament and sign the petition at http://www.5050democracy.eu/
Women and the Vote 2008
Our current work around Power and Participation is with the campaigning group Women and The Vote with partners The Electonal Reform Society, Unlock Democracy, Centre for Women and Democracy,The Hansard Society and The Fawcett Society. See http://www.engender.org.uk/pages/37/Engender at the Festival of Politics 2008
Engender board member, Lesley Sutherland, was a member of the panel at a debate called 2008: Women and the Vote as part of the Festival of Politics in the Scottish Parliament. The event was hosted by Cathie Peattie MSP and also on the panel were Bill Butler MSP and Beatrice Barleon speaking on behalf of the 2008: women and the vote campaign that Engender is supporting.
Following opening remarks from the panel questions were taken from the floor. Amongst others, the panel were asked about positive action, if parties did enough to encourage women to stand for election and how to interest young women in politics.
