Engender blog

Nine in ten women councillors have experienced sexism, misogyny or violence in Scottish local politics, our new report reveals

Today, we publish our new research ‘Part of the Job?’, Women councillors’ experiences of sexism, misogyny and gender-based violence in Scottish Councils. This research exposes the endemic scale of violence against women in local politics and its serious consequences for individual women and for Scottish democracy. 

This research lays bare what too many women in Scottish local politics have long known: that sexism, misogyny and gender-based violence are part of the everyday reality of being a woman councillor. This is completely unacceptable. Local councils make decisions that shape all of our lives, and women’s voices at that table are vital. We cannot afford to lose women from local politics, or to deter others from entering, because we have failed to take this seriously. With elections on the horizon, the time for urgent, systemic action is now. 

Key findings

The report draws on survey responses from 59 current and former women councillors, as well as in-depth interviews with 16 participants. Among those who reported experiencing sexism, misogyny or violence: 

     > 98% experienced microaggressions — everyday sexist slights, snubs and insults 

     > 77% experienced cyberviolence, including online abuse and threats 

     > 64% experienced psychological violence, including threats/ character           assassination 

     > 40% had experienced sexual harassment 

     > 11% had experienced physical violence

 

 

Almost three-quarters (72%) had experienced at least three different forms of violence. All minority ethnic, lesbian and bisexual respondents, and almost all (89%) of those under 55, had experienced at least three forms. 

Fellow councillors, not just members of the public, were identified as the most common perpetrators, a finding that has significant implications for existing reporting procedures. Despite the scale of the problem, underreporting is widespread: 81% of those who experienced sexual harassment did not report it. 

Impact on women and democracy 

The research reveals how this culture of violence is directly undermining women’s participation in local democracy. Almost half (48%) of respondents said their experiences had caused them to become less vocal. A fifth said they had been excluded from decision-making. Nearly a third (30%) said they would not recommend being a councillor to other women, rising to 45% among those under the age of 55.

 

 

Women councillors described cancelling constituent surgeries due to safety concerns, withdrawing from social media, and attending council meetings online to avoid in-person contact with perpetrators. Three respondents had quit their posts entirely due to the abuse they experienced, and a further 18% decided not to stand for office again. 

This matters beyond individual women’s careers: Scotland’s 32 councils deliver vital public services that disproportionately affect women’s lives, including childcare, social care and public transport. Research consistently shows that women’s participation in politics improves the quality of those services and strengthens democracy. This report makes clear that participation is being systematically undermined.

 

 

 

Voices from the research 

“I remember starting as a councillor it was very apparent. There were some male councillors who didn’t think you had the right to be even in the room.” - Interview participant 

“I couldn’t recommend any woman to become a councillor. I couldn’t actually recommend anybody to become a councillor, but especially a woman.” - Interview participant 

“... we desperately need more women in politics or this will never change but it’s hard to recommend something to people which you know will harm them.” - Survey respondent 

“I think every woman I know has experienced some form of violence...So I think that every woman councillor in Scotland has experienced it. I really do...But I think?it’s?just part of the job. It is part of the job.”?- Interview Participant  

“But everyone just says?it’s?part of the job. And?there’s?nothing we could do. Just totally ignored it...But meanwhile,?we’re?all looking over our shoulder and looking out for it to happen.” - Interview Participant  

“It happens a lot. It happens?on a daily basis.” - Interview Participant 

Call to action 

With Scotland’s local council elections due in 2027, we are calling for urgent and comprehensive action across government, councils, political parties and regulatory bodies. Central is our call to the Scottish Government to commission a comprehensive, independent review into the safety of women councillors in Scotland, one that examines reporting procedures, anonymous complaint mechanisms, protection from retaliation, and whether a dedicated independent body is needed to handle complaints of gender-based violence against politicians. 

Other recommendations include mandatory training on violence against women for all elected members; a requirement that councils introduce standing orders explicitly prohibiting violence against women in politics; equal access for councillors to employee assistance schemes; and improved security provisions aligned with protections available to MPs and MSPs. 

Read the full report here.

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