MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
No one should be denied opportunities because of the colour of their skin, their disability, their gender or sexual orientation, their age or religion. This principle underpins all that we do in the Scottish Executive. Our pursuit of social justice has at its heart the elimination of discrimination and inequality.
As this report shows we have been working hard to put this principle into practice across the Executive. We can show real progress in promoting equality of opportunity.
Making Progress: Equality Annual Report, charts these advances since we published our Equality Strategy just over two years ago. It highlights how we have worked in partnership directly with people from a wide range of communities who have experience and knowledge of discrimination and inequality in all its many guises. We have endeavoured to work towards our goal of a fair and just Scotland through policies and initiatives which make a real and practical difference. This report demonstrates how we have 'mainstreamed' equality in crucial policy areas.
I recognise, however, that there is still some way to go and I will continue to press for action across the Executive maintaining the momentum we have already generated. A smart, successful Scotland cannot be secured until we all have an equal chance to succeed. It is not only government departments and agencies who are responsible for pursuing this goal, but a shared responsibility for all individuals and organisations in Scotland.
Margaret Curran MSP
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE