Engender blog
General Election 2024 - Why we need equal representation of women in politics
We’re calling on candidates in the upcoming General Election to commit to taking action on four key areas for women if elected.
In our What’s in it for women? four-part series, we’ll break down each of our key asks covering health, social security, equal representation and immigration.
Today, we’ll focus on equal representation and why we’re calling for action on quotas and better data collection about our candidates.
Find and email your local candidates with our pre-written letter here.
ASK TWO: Equal Representation
- Make political parties publish candidate diversity data, using Section 106 of the Equality Act
- Safeguard women's equal representation in politics by changing the law to allow for gender quotas at elections
Men remain systematically over-represented at all levels of politics. We know that greater diversity at all levels of politics and public life in Scotland enriches policy decisions and improves democracy, benefitting us all.
We need robust, intersectional data on the protected characteristics of our elected representatives to help build a more equal Scotland.
WHY WE NEED: CANDIDATE DIVERSITY DATA
Access to robust, intersectional data on the protected characteristics of our elected representatives is vital in ensuring high-quality democracy. Without this information, it is very difficult to map the causes – and, importantly, create solutions to – the chronic underrepresentation of women – especially Black and minoritised women, LBT women, and young women.
Despite voluntary commitments from parties to audit the diversity of candidates and elected representatives and the existence of a legislative basis to require it, very little reliable information is available publicly.
The data we do have about candidates is patchy and often limited in how it is gathered and published. This makes it challenging to assess progression or regression and take action to increase representation. Section 106 of the Equality Act 2010, which has never been enacted, would require political parties to collect and publish basic equality monitoring data. This would significantly improve our demographic knowledge of elected representatives.
To make sure that everyone working to increase the diversity of representation has the information they need to make it a reality, we're calling on candidates to commit to enacting Section 106 if elected on July 4th.
WHY WE NEED: GENDER QUOTAS
Although we have seen some progress in women's representation in recent elections, there is a lot of work remaining. Change doesn't happen quickly or by accident.
Despite some examples of positive progress for women's representation in Scotland in recent years, there is still a lot of work to do. Guarding against regression requires bold action to make sure progress is sustained in future.
There were more than double the number of male Scottish MPs than women in 2023, and we're certain to see regression in women's representation across the UK at the election on 4th July as estimates indicate only 30% of candidates standing are women.
Parliamentary quotas are employed worldwide to take action on women's historical exclusion from public life with a high degree of success. They are designed to help overcome the vast range of economic, cultural and political realities that prevent women from taking part in politics on an equal basis to men.
Our democratic bodies must represent all of Scottish society, and decision-making should reflect the diverse needs and experiences of our communities. Recent research shows that when women are able to exercise political leadership, there are gains not just for women and girls but for the whole of society.
The next UK Government has an opportunity to safeguard women's representation by changing the law to allow for gender quotas at all elections. We're calling on candidates to commit to taking action if elected.
WE NEED CHANGE TO MAKE WOMEN'S VOICES HEARD.
The General Election on 4th July is an opportunity for the next UK Government to prioritise women's rights and equality. Find out if your local candidates are supporting women's rights and equal representation in politics by contacting them directly.
In a few clicks, contact your local candidates to ask what they will do for women's rights in Scotland.Email your local candidates with our pre-written letter here
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