Gender equality
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Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: update report 2021-2024
This report provides an update on the delivery of commitments outlined in our action plan ‘Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: action plan 2021 to 2024’.
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Women's health plan 2021 to 2024: final report
Plan to improve health outcomes and health services for all women and girls in Scotland. This final report provides a summary of the progress made on delivering the Plan over the past three years.
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Scotland's Vision for Trade: annual report - October 2024
Our third annual report on Scotland's Vision for Trade, outlining the range of specific actions that we have taken over the past year and our continued ambition to make trade-related decisions based on the principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance
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Proxy voting by councillors: consultation
Concerns have been raised with the Scottish Government around the absence of proxy voting provision for councillors. The absence of explicit provisions allowing for proxy voting within local authorities could impact councillors on parental leave, or those who are unable to attend for other reason.
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Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
This document records the decision not to undertake a full Island Communities Impact Assessment for the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill. It also summarises the evidence that has been considered, along with the rationale for this decision.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Gender identity healthcare
Update on work to improve services.
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Economic Impact of a Minimum Income Guarantee: Analysis of economic theory and policy evidence
Economic Impact of a Minimum Income Guarantee: Analysis of economic theory and policy evidence by WPI Economics on behalf of the independent Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group.
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Economic Impact of a Minimum Income Guarantee: Analysis of economic theory and policy evidence - Executive Summary
Economic Impact of a Minimum Income Guarantee: Analysis of economic theory and policy evidence by WPI Economics on behalf of the independent Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group.
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Minimum Income Guarantee: Experts by Experience Panel report
The full report from the Minimum Income Guarantee Experts by Experience Panel who have deliberated on the complexities of designing a Minimum Income Guarantee and provided rich insights which will continue to inform the Expert Group’s decision making.
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Minimum Income Guarantee: Experts by Experience Panel report - executive summary
The executive summary from the Minimum Income Guarantee Experts by Experience Panel who have deliberated on the complexities of designing a Minimum Income Guarantee and provided rich insights which will continue to inform the Expert Group’s decision making.
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Minimum Income Guarantee: Experts by Experience Panel report - easy read
The easy read version of the Minimum Income Guarantee Experts by Experience Panel who have deliberated on the complexities of designing a Minimum Income Guarantee and provided rich insights which will continue to inform the Expert Group’s decision making.
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Scottish Child Payment and the labour market
This publication presents Scottish Government analysis of how Scottish Child Payment interacts with the labour market in Scotland including how it impacts labour market decisions of its clients.
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Improving gender identity healthcare
Implications of the Cass Review for Scotland
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Gender Representation on Public Boards amendment passed
Amendment will align Act with Court of Session ruling.
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Scottish Peace Programme: request for proposals.
This is a request for proposals for a supplier to support the delivery of the Scottish Peace Programme, including establishment of a Scottish Peace Platform and the 1325 Women in Conflict Fellowships. The closing date for applications is 26 July 2024.
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Gender identity healthcare
Improving gender identity healthcare for children and young people.
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response - child-friendly version
This report explains how the Scottish Government (SG) is responding to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s concluding observations. These were published in 2023. This document will tell you about some of the things we are doing to make things better for children and their families in Scotland
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United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response
This report sets out the Scottish Government’s (SG) initial response to the UN Committee’s Concluding Observations. It outlines the progress made in relation to children’s rights in Scotland since the publication of the Position Statement of November 2022
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Mainstreaming gender equality in Scottish Government funded international development projects and programmes: guidance note
A guidance note on mainstreaming gender equality for applications and bids for Scottish Government funded international development projects and/or programmes. The note outlines our minimum criteria for scoring, aligned with the OECD DAC Gender Equality Policy Marker.
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Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach
Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.
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Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018: Scottish Ministers' Report to Parliament 2023
A report on the operation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018.
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NHSScotland - interim national menopause and menstrual health policy: equality impact assessment
This report summarises key findings from the equality impact assessment (EQIA) record prepared for the interim national menopause and menstrual health policy for NHSScotland.
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Fair Work action plan: evidence plan
The Fair Work evidence plan sets out the approach to data and evidence which will support the Fair Work Action Plan to promote fair and inclusive workplaces across Scotland.
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Housing Cladding Remediation (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment - easy read
Easy read version of the equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill.
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Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024
Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.
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Equally safe strategy: easy read
Easy read version of Scotland's Strategy for Preventing and Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls. This is the Scottish Government and COSLA's commitment to preventing and eradicating this violence and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it.
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Equally Safe 2023 - preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls: strategy
The Scottish Government and COSLA's commitment to preventing and eradicating this violence and addressing the underlying attitudes and systems that perpetuate it.
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Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment for the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.
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Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.
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Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: fairer Scotland duty impact assessment
Fairer Scotland duty impact assessment for the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Amendment) (Bill).
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Equalities and wellbeing in manufacturing recommendations: one year report
Summarises the progress made against the recommendations contained in the Equalities and Wellbeing in Manufacturing recommendations report which was published 13 June 2022.
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Women's Justice Leadership Panel: report
This report "The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice" summarises the work of the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel, their thematic discussions, and their key findings. The remit of the Panel was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues.
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Gender Representation on Public Boards: Report 2021
First progress report to Scottish Parliament (December 2021) on public boards’ progress towards the “gender representation objective”, achieved when a board has 50% of its non-executive members who are women. The report discusses appointments, encouraging applications from women, and terminology.
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Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018: Regulation 2 report April 2023
First report on public boards’ progress towards the “gender representation objective” which is achieved when a board has 50% of its non-executive members who are women. The report includes information on the number of vacancies, appointments made and steps taken to encourage applications from women.
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iMatter Survey 2022: demographic data exploration
Independent report by Webropol providing detailed information and analysis of staff experience in health and social care across Scotland, broken down by protected characteristics (as stated in Equality Act 2010). This report compiles data from the 2021 and 2022 iMatter survey.
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Scotland's Vision for Trade: annual report - June 2023
Our second annual report on Scotland's Vision for Trade, outlining the range of specific actions that we have taken over the past year and our continued ambition to make trade-related decisions based on the principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance.
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Just transition for the built environment and construction sector: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the built environment and construction sector. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition for the sector.
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Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition.
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Young People in Scotland Survey 2021: attitudes to violence against women and girls
Pupils across 50 state secondary schools were surveyed on their attitudes towards topics relating to violence against women and girls. The report examines how attitudes have changed since the first publication in 2014 and discusses differences in views across a range of equality characteristics.
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Violence Against Women and Girls - Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services: report - easy read
Easy read version of the Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services report.
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Violence Against Women and Girls - Independent Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Services: report
The Independent Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services was led by Lesley Irving, former Head of the Scottish Government’s Equality Unit, who was supported by an Advisory Group comprising key figures from local government, academia and the third sector.
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Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2023: easy read
Provides an easy read update on the progress we are making to mainstreaming equality, inclusion, and human rights as an employer and decision-maker. It also provides an update on the equality outcomes for the 2021 to 2025 reporting period.
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Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2023
Provides an update on the progress we are making to mainstreaming equality, inclusion, and human rights as an employer and decision-maker. It also provides an update on the equality outcomes for the 2021 to 2025 reporting period.
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Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Results of the equality impact assessment process for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This process was undertaken to ensure that the Bill does not discriminate against any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: data protection impact assessment
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: Fairer Scotland duty assessment
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: island communities impact assessment
Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022: equality impact assessment
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) of the Fair Work Action Plan 2022 and Anti-Racist Employment Strategy 2022.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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Section 35 Order challenge
Request for judicial review of UK Government use of veto.
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Scotland's Year of Stories 2022: equality impact assessment
Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 showcased Scotland’s strongest culture, tourism and events assets and other key aspects of society by creating a collaborative platform for partners to work together and maximise benefits. The report highlights evidence, opportunities and actions to boost equality.
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Experiencing Life Events and Childhood Subjective Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Analysis of Growing Up in Scotland
The findings of this report are not valid due to an error in the analysis. If you require further information, please email the Growing Up in Scotland mailbox at: GUS@gov.scot.
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Fair Work First: guidance - March 2023
Update November 2024: this guidance has been updated, including to clarify evidence requirements for demonstrating compliance with the real Living Wage and effective voice grant conditions, and offering a more streamlined evidence gathering process. The updated guidance is at https://www.gov.scot/publications/fair-work-first-guidance-3/
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Scotland’s Equality Evidence Strategy 2023-2025
This strategy sets out our approach to improving and strengthening Scotland’s equality evidence base over a three year period to the end of 2025.
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Equality evidence strategy 2023 to 2025: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment stage 1 screening
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) stage 1 screening for Scotland's equality evidence strategy 2023 to 2025.
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Equality evidence strategy 2023 to 2025: easy read
A plan to get better facts, figures and information about equality.
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Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report - easy read
Easy read version of an interim report outlines the group’s work so far and provides a summary of possible steps towards a Minimum Income Guarantee.
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Social security - Scottish Carer's Assistance consultation: Scottish Government response
Our response to the consultation analysis report about the Scottish Carer's Assistance consultation undertaken between 28 February 2022 and 25 May 2022.
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Minimum Income Guarantee Expert Group: interim report
This interim report provides an outline of the group’s work to date towards defining a Minimum Income Guarantee, the context in which the policy is being developed, provide a high-level overview of direction and early thinking towards potential actions.
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Children and young people's voices matter: progress report - March 2023
Report on progress made on the actions agreed at the sixth annual meeting of Cabinet members and children and young people on 1 March 2022.
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Reforming the criminal law to address misogyny: consultation
A consultation on draft legislation to implement recommendations for reform of the criminal law contained in the report of the Working Group on Misogyny chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC.
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Misogyny law consultation
Proposals to criminalise abusive and humiliating behaviour routinely directed at women and girls.
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Supporting women in entrepreneurship
Report identifies 31 ways to reduce gender gap and boost economy.
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Pathways: A new approach for women in entrepreneurship
An independent review into women in entrepreneurship in Scotland, authored by Ana Stewart and Mark Logan. Based on thorough data analysis and stakeholder engagement the report's recommendations seek to address the root causes of female under-participation in entrepreneurship.
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Case review on management of a transgender prisoner
Women were not at risk from harm
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Violence against women and girls funding review: analysis of responses
Analysis of the responses to the Strategic Review of Funding and Commissioning of Violence Against Women and Girls Services call for evidence.
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Violence Against Women and Girls services questions: people's answers - easy read
Easy read version of the analysis of the responses to the strategic review of funding and commissioning of violence against women and girls services' call for evidence.
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Women’s Health Champion appointed
Improving health outcomes for women.
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Gender recognition: letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland - 24 January 2023
Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government to the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill and Section 35 order.
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Gender recognition: letter to the Secretary of State for Scotland - 21 January 2023
Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government to the Secretary of State for Scotland regarding the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill and Section 35 order.
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Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers
The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.
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Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed
Improving the legal recognition system for trans people.
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Strengthening the role of women in climate action
Funding to ensure women from Global South have say on climate.
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Improving lives of non-binary people
Response to working group recommendations.
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Proposals for new Bill to tackle misogyny
Public to be consulted on laws to criminalise misogynistic conduct.
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Advancing gender equality
New co-chairs appointed to help fulfil Scottish Government ambitions.
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First Minister welcomes Kennedy recommendations
Marking International Women’s Day 2022.
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Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland
Justice Secretary welcomes report and will now “consider recommendations”.
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Gender Recognition Reform Bill
Simplifying how trans people apply for a Gender Recognition Certificate.
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Supporting NHS gender identity services
£9 million to improve gender identity healthcare.
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Ending conversion practices
Expert group to advise on ban in Scotland.
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Supporting transgender young people in schools: guidance for Scottish schools
Guidance for schools on supporting transgender young people
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Supporting transgender young people in schools: equality impact assessment
Assessing how the policy on supporting transgender pupils in school will work best, and how it could affect other groups.
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Supporting transgender young people in schools: children's rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Impact assessment for the guidance on supporting transgender young people in schools.
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Tackling gender-based violence
Additional £5 million to cut waiting lists for support.
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Gender pay gap action plan: annual report
This progress report provides an update on actions within the Fairer Scotland for Women: Gender Pay Gap Action Plan since publication in 2019. It also sets out our future priorities for continuing to advance work on this issue across Scottish Government as part of our economic recovery and renewal.
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Helping women through sport
Funding for Sport Relief projects championing gender equality.
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First Minister welcomes progress on equality
Equality to be enshrined at heart of government.
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Gender recognition consultation opens
Reforms follow international best practice.
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Driving forward gender equality
Actions in response to advisory council report.
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Gender recognition reform
Draft Bill to provide for full consultation.
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Census (Amendment)(Scotland) Bill passed
New questions can be asked – but answering will be voluntary.
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Addressing the gender pay gap: employer methods
This report presents the findings of 14 interviews with employers in the private and public sector.
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Action on gender inequalities
New plan to tackle pay gap.
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A fairer Scotland for women: gender pay gap action plan
Our action plan setting out a list of actions that will be taken to address the many drivers of the gender pay gap.
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Supporting gender equality
First Minister appointed UN Women Global Advocate.
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Equally Safe delivery plan: year one update
Equally Safe delivery plan was published in November 2017. This report provides an overview of progress made to date and sets out priorities for the year ahead.
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Strengthening protection from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): consultation
We are seeking views on plans to strengthen the existing legislative framework for the protection of women and girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a form of gender based violence.
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Supporting workplace equality
Workplace Equality Fund open for applications.
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Gender representation on public boards
Bill has equality at its heart.
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Preventing violence against women
Debate to mark international 16 Days of Activism.
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Equally safe: delivery plan
The Equally Safe delivery plan will help to ensure that the ambitions of the Equally Safe Strategy makes a tangible difference.
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Advisory Council on Women and Girls
Group established to further gender equality.
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Tackling the gender gap in business
Funding to support women in enterprise.
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Domestic abuse recorded by the Police in Scotland, 2016-17
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Domestic abuse numbers 'unacceptable'
Work escalates to reduce domestic abuse in Scotland.
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Pride in all our people
First Minister speaks at Pride Glasgow
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Next steps on tackling hate crime
Focus on prevention, raising awareness and improving services
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The gender pay gap in Scotland - update and analysis of time series data
A short bulletin which explores some of the key trends on the gender pay gap in recent years.
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A Scottish Government Consultation on the Draft Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill
Seeking views on the practical application of the draft Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill provisions.
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Tackling gender stereotyping
Changing young people’s attitudes to violence against women.
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World gender equality
Speed mentoring event for UN International Day of the Girl.
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New perspectives on the gender pay gap: trends and drivers
This report explains the different measures of the gender pay gap and considers how it has been changing over time. It also considers underlying drivers and describes Scottish Government policy intended to help encourage the decline of the pay gap.
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