MAREE TODD: Putting women and girls at the heart of decision-making

Holyrood Notebook by Maree Todd

This month, we marked International Women’s Day – a day where we celebrate the achievements of women, take stock of our progress, and reflect upon the many inequalities that still exist across society today.

This was poignantly reflected upon in Holyrood, with powerful and thoughtful contributions from across the chamber.

The transport minister Jenny Gilruth led an important debate on women and girls’ safety on public transport, shedding light on a transport system – largely designed by men for the use of men – which can leave women and girls vulnerable when accessing public transport.

The minister referenced an exhaustive list of protective measures women undertake daily to keep themselves safe, including making calls to friends or family while making journeys so that someone can track them, avoiding public transport at night, and choosing to sit in busier train carriages rather than quiet or empty ones. It was also widely acknowledged throughout the debate of the particular risks in rural communities, where women and girls can often be waiting or disembarking at isolated bus stops and train stations.

The debate followed the publication of the report on Women and Girls’ Safety on Public Transport, which includes key recommendations that the Scottish Government, operators, the police, and other stakeholders can take forward to improve safety for women and girls on public transport. Although, we know that wider societal and cultural change is also needed if we are to truly address the issue.

Nicola Sturgeon led her final International Women’s Day debate as Scotland’s First Minister. Throughout her tenure in public office, Nicola Sturgeon has been steadfast in her commitment to furthering equality and protecting the rights of women and girls. From appointing Scotland’s first gender balanced cabinet to providing support to families impacted by abhorrent Westminster policy choices, such as the two-child benefits cap and the rape clause.

Further to this, we have taken huge strides forward in improving access to free childcare. Under Nicola Sturgeon, we have made available 1140 hours a year to all three and four-year-olds and eligible two-year-olds, and pledged to go further by investing in the design of an all-year-round schoolage childcare system.

In my own constituency, I know that access to childcare is a structural barrier that prevents women from entering the workplace and progressing in their careers. A 2017 HIE report highlighted as such, referencing it as a contributing factor to the wider gender pay gap in the Highlands and Islands compared to the average for Scotland. I know that much work is needed to improve availability of childcare in our rural communities, but I’m delighted of the progress we have made thus far.

For me personally, it has been source of immense pride to have been appointed Scotland’s first women’s health minister by Nicola Sturgeon. Thanks to her leadership and support, we have made progress in reducing health inequalities for women.

The First Minister’s leadership on safe access zones – a measure to safeguard the right of women to access abortion services – is just another reflection of her commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls. I hope that we can continue on this path to ensure that no woman is faced with judgment or intimidation when accessing abortion services.

Though she will be sorely missed from government, I have no doubt that Nicola Sturgeon will continue to be the strongest advocate for women and girls from the backbenches.

• Maree Todd is the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.

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