Women's Advisory Council Chair Announced

The Chief Executive of Scotland’s youth charity will chair the First Ministers’ new Advisory Council on Women and Girls.

Louise Macdonald OBE, Chief Executive of Young Scot, has been appointed as independent Chair of the Advisory Council which will raise awareness of gender issues, champion the rights of women and girls, and advocate for changes that can be made across society to deliver equality.

The Council complements a range of work being done to promote equality in Scotland, including the provision of £20.3 million funding this year to support various initiatives including organisations that prevent violence against women and girls and projects that increase representation and enhance community cohesion.

The First Minister will announce the appointment during a speech today at the Scottish Women’s Convention’s annual event to mark the upcoming International Women’s Day.

Speaking ahead of the event, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

“This Government has worked hard to push for a fairer and more equal society, and our record on increasing opportunities for women through better education, tackling violence and discrimination and ensuring our young women have inspiring female role models is one I’m incredibly proud of.

“I am determined to ensure there is no let up on this work though, which is why I want to establish a strong Council of advisors to make sure we are not only doing all we can to promote gender equality as a government but that we are championing gender equality in all walks of life. With her background and experience, Louise an ideal person to lead this Council, and will be a powerful advocate for Scotland’s women and girls.  I look forward to working with her and the rest of the Council in the future.”

Louise Macdonald OBE added:

"I’m honoured to have been asked by the First Minister to take on the role of independent Chair of the new Advisory Council on Women and Girls. There is much progress to celebrate, but also much work to be done. Central to that will be hearing from and working with people in communities across Scotland and beyond about their experiences, insight and ideas. By working together we can realise Scotland’s ambition to be a beacon for gender equality across the world.”

Background

A further announcement on the membership of the Council will be made in due course.

The Council is expected to meet for the first time in early summer 2017.

International Women’s Day will take place on Wednesday 8 March.

More details on the Equalities fund.