Scottish Government

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CONTENTS

Foreword

Executive Summary

Introduction
The Group
The Group's work
The scope of the report

Section One: Setting the scene - the position of women in Scotland today
The position of women in Scotland
Key statistics
What women say the issues are
The role of the Scottish Executive, the Scottish Parliament and local authorities
The role of women's organisations
The importance of developing the agenda for gender equality

Section Two: Key policy issues to be addressed
EMPLOYMENT
Equal pay
Low pay, job segregation and unemployment
Promoting diversity in the workplace
CHILDCARE
CARING (FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES) AND PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
POVERTY AND EXCLUSION
Poverty and social exclusion
Difficulties in access to services, including in rural areas
VIOLENCE AND SAFETY
INFLUENCE AND DECISION-MAKING

Section Three: Political Institutions and Policy Approaches
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
The Scottish Parliament
Equal Opportunities Committee
THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE - POLICY APPROACHES AND CONSULTATION WITH WOMEN
Mainstreaming equality
Monitoring, research and evaluation
Statutory duty requiring public bodies to promote gender equality
Awareness raising and campaigning about gender equality issues
Consultation with women
RELATIONS BETWEEN THE SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE AND THE UK GOVERNMENT
Relations between the Scottish Executive and the UK Government
Division of devolved and reserved matters

Conclusion

Summary of action point recommendations

Biographical details of group members

Appendix of acronyms