Scottish Labour pledge to ensure gender equality on public boards

Kezia Dugdale, Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour, will today announce that if elected in 2016 the party would use powers devolved to Scotland to guarantee gender equality on boards of public bodies.

Dugdale will make this announcement the Scottish Women’s Convention in Glasgow. She will explain that Scottish Labour would do this by creating a law that would make it so that at least 50% of public board members in Scotland are women.

As it stands, just  35% of public board members in Scotland are women. Nicola Sturgeon has said the SNP would ensure this percentage reaches 50% by 2020, but Scottish Labour are saying they would deliver faster and better change for women by pledging to enshrine the law as soon as they came to power.

To reflect their commitment to this, Scottish Labour have ensured that their Shadow Cabinet has equal representation between men and women.

Dugdale is expected to say:

“The next Scottish Labour Government will use the exciting new powers coming to Scotland to delivery equality for women in law.
 
“The institutions that have so much influence over Scottish public life should reflect the country at large. With so few women on the boards of Scotland’s public bodies today they don’t represent the communities they seek to serve. That needs to change and Scottish Labour will make that happen.
 
“Scottish Labour has a proud record on women’s rights. From leading the way on all women shortlists to the Equality Act, we have a history of advancing the cause of Scottish women. But we cannot rest until there is full equality.
 
“Until every girl or young woman in Scotland can enter any profession without thinking her gender will act as a barrier, we will still have work to do.
 
“There is so much gender inequality in Scottish society. Scotland deserves better.”