Equality report "depressing"

9.11.39am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 5th Sep 2008

North East MSP Alison McInnes has reacted with dismay to the Equality and Human Rights Commission's Sex and Power Index, released today, showing no substantial improvement in the number of women in positions of public influence.

The index of women in positions of influence reports "reversal or stalled progress" in Scotland.

Mrs McInnes commented: "This report makes very depressing reading. Not only has women's involvement in politics receded, but in other key areas women are severely under-represented. In business, education, the judiciary, the unions, and local government, the contributions of women are not represented by leadership positions.

"For too long this has been perceived absurdly as a special interest, a 'women's issue', but this imbalance should be a matter of common concern for everyone is Scotland.

"This report is a litmus test. We should all be asking why this situation persists: what does it tell us about Scottish society?

"Equal opportunity benefits the whole community. Inequality is a reason for renewed resolve. Any woman, or anyone who has a daughter or sister leaving school, college or university should be angry about the frustration and disappointment these women will face as they try to gain recognition in their chosen careers.

"Scotland is squandering talent. Of course people must be appointed to jobs on merit, but these figures demonstrate that we are not seeking out that talent from all sections of our population.

"The glass ceiling doesn't just hinder women, it hinders Scotland's progress. We must remove the barriers to progress such as rigid, inflexible attitudes to work, an inefficient long hours culture and lack of childcare options."