Holyrood publishes guide for improving female participation in parliaments

An expert group has set out a six-part guide for improving women’s participation and representation in parliaments, following an initiative by Holyrood’s presiding officer.

After taking on the position following the 2021 election, Alison Johnstone commissioned a gender sensitive audit of the Scottish Parliament’s rules, practices and culture.

The audit report, published in March 203, said Holyrood had made progress towards equal representation but noted there are still gaps.

It recommended a number of rule changes including ensuring women participate in key committees.

The audit also recommended the development of a “practical guide” for improving gender sensitivity in parliaments around the world which has now been published.

The document says gender sensitivity must be about “more than simply counting women” and outlines an ongoing process of assessment.

It was written by Professor Sarah Childs and Professor Meryl Kenny of Edinburgh University.

The last elections produced the most diverse ever group of MSPs, with Holyrood now having 58 female MSPs – 45% of all elected members – including the first women of colour.

Reflecting on the publication of the guide, Ms Johnstone said: “I am delighted to see the guide published and would like to express my gratitude to Professor Childs and Professor Kenny for their work.”

“Research shows that the strength of democracy is improved by having greater diversity in our parliaments. When a parliament better reflects the communities it serves, better decisions are made.

“This guidance includes lessons from our gender sensitive audit, which itself was informed by ground-breaking work from organisations across the globe.

“I hope it is useful and look forward to hearing of other legislatures’ experiences as they work towards equal participation and representation.”

Prof Kenny said: “Scotland is one of an increasing number of countries around the world committed to reforms that will gender sensitise its parliament.

“This guide takes this ongoing work forward by sharing the Scottish Parliament’s experiences, and offering a practical route map to gender sensitising a parliament on the ground.

“A parliament that is inclusive of and responsive to women, in all their diversity, is a more representative and effective parliament.”