Scotland to hold first ever Women’s Employment Summit

A summit is to take place in Scotland to help address issues of equality and diversity of employment faced by women in the workplace – the first event of its kind to be held in the country.

The Women’s Employment Summit, taking place this Wednesday (September 12th), will include an opening speech from Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond.

It will seek to address several key barriers to greater gender equality in Scotland’s workforce, including the perception that some jobs are not suitable for women.

Minister for youth employment Angela Constance, who will attend the event, commented: “The need for increased childcare and the perception that some jobs ‘just aren’t for women’ are two key hurdles that we need to clear if we are to create a level playing field for all.

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“The summit will focus on identifying positive steps that public sector bodies, employers, trade unions, other partners and women themselves can take to ensure that women can make their full contribution to Scotland’s economic recovery.”

Taking place in Edinburgh, the event is set to attract more than 150 delegates, with more dialling in from other Scottish cities.

It is being organised jointly by the Scottish government and the STUC trade union.

“This is a historic first and demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling the barriers that women face in maximising job opportunities,” continued Ms Constance.

“Helping more women into work is a top priority if Scotland’s economy is to grow faster, and we are doing all we can to achieve that, including our plans to deliver the best package of flexible early learning and childcare anywhere in the UK.”

Meanwhile, this weekend (September 8th-9th) saw the STUC hold its first ever conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers.

The conference, which the STUC plans to make an annual event, saw the creation of a formal LGBT equality structure within the organisation, as well as the election of a dedicated equality committee to work on priorities for LGBT workers throughout the year.