RUTHERGLEN MSP HAILS NEW #SCOTWOMENSTAND CAMPAIGN

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RUTHERGLEN MSP HAILS NEW #SCOTWOMENSTAND CAMPAIGN

MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed the announcement of a new campaign to encourage women in Scotland to get involved in politics, and stand for election.

The #ScotWomenStand campaign, a partnership between the Parliament Project and YCWA Scotland, marks 100 years since some women were allowed to vote and women were able to stand for election. The campaign details the ‘Seven Steps to Election’ – the actions a woman can take in order to get involved in politics and run a campaign.

Earlier this year, the First Minister announced a £500,000 fund to provide grants to local initiatives that encourage political empowerment for women.

Recent research also found that Scotland ranks 3rd in the world for female political empowerment, whilst the UK is ranked 17th.

Commenting, Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey said:

“Women have come a long way in 100 years, and the Scottish Government has taken huge strides towards equal representation in all walks of life, including politics. The current cabinet is one of only a handful in the world that is gender balanced.

“However, much still needs to be done to eradicate gender inequality in public life. Schemes like #ScotWomenStand will contribute hugely towards encouraging more women to step forward, make their voices heard, and stand for election.

“And if they do, it will create a fairer and more representative parliamentary system.

“We must all continue working towards a Scotland in which every woman and girl is given the opportunity to reach her full potential. “

ENDS

Notes:

Below is a photograph of Clare Haughey MSP, with Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituents in the background, taking part in a march in Edinburgh to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage.