New figures from the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) have confirmed that on women’s political empowerment Scotland is ranked 14th in the world – significantly higher than in the UK.
Earlier this month the World Economic Forum published its 2015 report on the Global Gender Gap which placed the UK 23rd in the world for political empowerment. However, new SPICe analysis shows that against the same measures, Scotland would be ranked 14th in the world.
On women in parliament Scotland is ranked 26th in the world compared to the UK’s 42nd; on women in ministerial positions Scotland is ranked 12th compared to the UK’s 50th place; and on years with a female head of government Scotland is ranked 7th in the world compared to the UK’s 9th.
Commenting, SNP MSP Clare Adamson said:
“While there is much work still to be done, Scotland is showing global leadership on this issue. Nicola Sturgeon is Scotland’s first female First Minister and her Cabinet is one of only a handful in the world that is gender balanced. We are equally determined to improve gender balance in the Scottish Parliament and we will go into next year’s election with more female candidates than ever before.
“In the long fight for gender equality one thing has been consistently clear: only when political power is in the hands of those with the will to change society can progress be made. That’s why it is so disappointing that the Labour party voted to leave powers over equalities and employment law in the hands of the Tory government at Westminster.
“The SNP will continue to work towards a Scotland where every girl and woman can reach her full potential and we will always use every power our disposal to fulfil this ambitious goal.”
