Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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New equality group set up

06/02/2003

On this year's 75th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, the creation of a new independent group has been announced to examine what more the Executive to improve opportunities for women.

Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said much has been achieved since 1928 but women still had a long way to go to achieve equality.

The group will be chaired by Joan Stringer, Principal of Napier University and former Equal Opportunities Commissioner, and will meet over the next few months.

Other group members include Susan Rice, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB, and Rowena Arshad, Equal Opportunities Commissioner and Director of Centre for Education for Racial Equality in Scotland.

Ms Curran said:

"Equality is at the heart of what we stand for. We are making real progress to close the opportunity gap in areas such as race and disability. Now I want to see more focused work on women. I am particularly concerned about this agenda because women are still amongst the poorest people in our communities. They still face discrimination at work, in pay and in equality of opportunity.

"Women are still under-represented in public life, they have specific needs in areas such as enterprise and employment and many live with the daily threat of domestic abuse and violence. The 'Agenda For Action' drawn up by some of Scotland's most successful women will give us a fresh, honest approach on what is necessary to drive our work forward."

Other group members are:

• Maria Fyffe - Vice-Chair of Glasgow Housing Association. Former Member of Parliament and Convenor of the Women's Issues Group on Constitutional Convention.
• Jane McKay - Secretary Glasgow Trade Council, Chair of TGWU National Women's Advisory Committee, TUC General Council member.
• Sally Witcher - Chair of Disability Employment Advisory Committee, former Director of the Child Poverty Action Group, and Campaign Worker for Disability Alliance. Also a Member of research advisory committees including the Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion at the London School of Economics.
• Lynne Main - Wester Hailes Community Council member, member of Scottish Social Inclusion Network.

• Barbara Kelly - partner in farming business in Dumfries, longstanding involvement in rural affairs and interest in women's issues.

Its formal remit is to consider the key issues currently facing women in Scotland, such as what does it take for a woman to succeed in business, what practical measures can be adopted to close the pay gap, what more can be done to support parents who want/have to work? To produce an agenda for action for consideration by the incoming Executive.

Amended February 14, 2003.