Latest publications

Engender Parliamentary Briefing: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence

Nov 28, 2023: This is a briefing for MSPs ahead of the Scottish Government debate marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in 2023. We welcome this debate as an opportunity for all MSPs to call for a primary prevention approach in all Scottish policymaking. A Scotland free from violence and abuse is possible. However, more strategic action and sustainable investment are urgently required to realise this.

An Overview of VAWG and the Role of Public Policy in Scotland in Prevention

Nov 28, 2023: This briefing paper examines the prevalence of VAWG and gender inequality in Scotland and highlights the urgent need for integration of a primary prevention approach within the Scottish policy landscape. VAWG is not only a justice or equalities policy issue, but one that all policymakers – regardless of their area of work – must play a role in preventing and ultimately eradicating.

Date of publication: November 2023

Engender Annual Report 2022-2023

Nov 15, 2023: This annual report sets out the work that Engender has been doing over 2022-23 to ensure that women's equality remains at the heart of policy-making in Scotland.

This annual report contains a welcome from Engender's convener Lucy Mulvagh and provides updates on all areas of work, staffing, governance and finances.

Date of publication: November 2023

Engender response to the Scottish Government consultation on A Human Rights Bill for Scotland

Oct 11, 2023:

Engender Parliamentary Briefing: The Two-child Limit

Oct 6, 2023: This is a briefing for MSPs ahead of the Scottish Government debate on reversal of the UK Government's Two-Child Benefit Limit. We fully support calls to scrap the two-child limit at the UK level, which harms women and children across Scotland, directly pushing many into deeper poverty. In Scotland, we support calls for the Scottish Government to invest in mitigating the UK Government’s policy on grounds of equality and human rights.

Date of publication: October 2023.

Sex & Power in Scotland 2023

Sep 27, 2023: Sex and Power 2023 sets out the extent of men's over-representation in positions of power in Scotland.

Date of publication: July 2023

“Trauma, abandonment and isolation”: Experiences of pregnancy and maternity services in Scotland during Covid-19

Sep 26, 2023: This report sets out experiences of accessing pregnancy and maternity services in Scotland at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic between March 2020 and November 2022. The purpose of the research is to inform and influence the Covid-19 Inquiry through a series of recommendations. We also highlight preexisting systemic issues that were raised by women.

Date of publication: September 2023.

Engender response to the Scottish Government consultation on reforming the criminal law to address misogyny

Jul 26, 2023: Engender welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on reforming the criminal law to address misogyny. Misogynistic behaviour, harassment and abuse continue to significantly constrain the choices and freedom of women and girls while violating their human rights. These types of behaviour, along with all other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG), continue to occur at endemic levels in Scotland.

Date of publication: July 2023.

Engender response to the Scottish Government’s Call for Evidence on the NPF National Outcomes

Jun 15, 2023: We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Scottish Government’s call for evidence on the National Performance Framework National Outcomes (NPF). As the NPF is used to guide the policy aims and spending decisions of national government and local authorities, it is vital that improvements are made to ensure it reflects the daily realities of women’s and girls’ lives.

Date of publication: June 2023.

Engender Parliamentary Briefing: Debate on the Gender Sensitive Audit of the Scottish Parliament

Jun 15, 2023: This is a briefing for MSPs ahead of the Scottish Parliament's debate on the Gender Sensitive Audit of the Scottish Parliament on 15th June 2023. The Scottish Parliament’s Gender-Sensitive Audit helps ensure Scotland’s alignment with international best practice for building a gender-equal society. It is crucial that this Audit results in tangible, measurable change. Taking intersectional gender equality into account in all aspects of its work means Parliament can lay the foundation for increased gender equality in wider society through gender-sensitive policy and service design.

Date of publication: June 2023.