University of Edinburgh academics Professor Sarah Childs and Professor Meryl Kenny have published guidance for parliaments around the world in collaboration with Holyrood. The recommendations promote the equal participation and representation of women in government.
Holyrood is seen by many as exemplifying a Gender Sensitive Parliament (GSP). The Scottish Parliament is one of the youngest and most diverse in the world, with women making up 46 per cent of MSPs.
The report on Gender Sensitivity in Parliament, explaining how to analyse gender (in)sensitivity, sets out a cyclic six-stage plan detailing the necessary steps for increasing representation within Parliaments. The plan advocates for a holistic approach to Gender Sensitivity, acknowledging that the addressing of insensitive dimensions will vary between parliaments whilst also encouraging the creation of a GSP Oversight group, which would ensure the implementation of reforms.
The final stage concludes with the importance of monitoring and publishing progress to ensure collaboration between parliaments.
The report highlights that representative parliaments are not some far-off dream, but something attainable, with the focus on Holyrood reinforcing not only what more needs to be done to ensure the institutional embedding of Gender Sensitivity, but the progress that has already been achieved through applying a Gender Sensitive approach.
Edinburgh Labour Students Women’s officer, Liv Clark, identified the report as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of a Gender Sensitive approach, such as “Monica Lennon’s work to introduce the period products act.” The Conservative and Unionist society did not respond to The Student’s request for comment.
It is important to note, however, that Gender Sensitivity is not a quick nor simple achievement.
In a statement to The Student, Professors Childs and Kenny stated that “Holyrood’s record hasn’t been achieved by accident,” the action taken under a Gender Sensitive approach, “including measures like gender quotas,” have been vital in propelling Holyrood to its current stage of diversity.
Reports like this are necessary in ensuring parliaments do not get complacent in terms of their approach to gender sensitivity. A sentiment echoed by Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone, who commissioned the report in 2022. Johnstone stated that “we cannot rest on our laurels with the progress that has been made,” identifying the pressing issue of the sexism faced by women in parliament in “traditional media and on social media.”
The report is vital in holding parliaments to account for their gender insensitivities. The plan sets out a structure for parliaments to follow, allowing for flexibility yet accountability.
In a turbulent era of politics, with the rise in the far right threatening the democratic representation of women in parliaments, reports such as these have never been more pressing. As Childs and Kenny stated, “the stakes cannot be understated.”
The report gives room to celebrate progress, yet also to ensure the safeguarding and institutional embedding of gender representation in parliaments.
“Scottish Parliament” by itmpa is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.