Hansard

I welcome the opportunity to speak in this important debate to mark international women’s day. This year, as others have mentioned, the day is celebrating the theme of each for equal, which is about creating an enabled world in which, internationally, women are empowered to be the best that they can be.

As has been noted by the United Nations, everyone—male, female and other—is responsible for their own thoughts and actions all day, every day. Everyone has the choice to challenge stereotypes. We can choose to fight bias, and we can broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate the achievements of women. It is important for us all to work to enable that to happen and to strive for gender empowerment and equality.

The subject that we are dealing with is broad, and we have heard much discussion and debate in the chamber today. I would like to focus on the international and outward-looking approach that we are taking in Scotland to tackling gender inequality.

The Scottish Government has a range of policies to deal with male violence against women and girls, and to advance gender equality here and abroad. The minister mentioned the Forensic Medical Services (Victims of Sexual Offences) (Scotland) Bill that is coming to the Health and Sport Committee soon. As a member of that committee, I look forward to progressing that bill.

Whether here, in Scotland, in countries that are affected by war or anywhere else around the world, male violence against women is a fundamental violation of human rights. It is never acceptable, it is never excusable and it is never tolerable. The Scottish Government is therefore investing in front-line services and is introducing new legislation to tackle violence and discrimination against women.

The Scottish Government is committed to acting as a world leader and aims to set an international example of good practice in gender equality and in eradication of gender-based violence, in order that we can create a world in which women are safe and are encouraged to achieve their goals.

Over the past year in Scotland, we have seen the implementation of the equally safe strategy, which is our strategy to prevent and eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls. In that context, I note Ruth Maguire’s powerful speech. As well as dealing with issues of gender-based violence in Scotland, the strategy contains a commitment to preventing international discrimination against women.

Members might recall that, in January this year, just after recess, I secured a debate in the chamber on United Nations Security Council resolution 1325, which is on women, peace and security and was unanimously passed by the UN Security Council 20 years ago this year. It was the first resolution of its kind, with its aim being specifically to address the impact of war on women, and the value of women in resolution of war and promotion of international peace, security and inclusion. Johann Lamont was right: women need to be in the room. When women are in the room when conflict resolution and the promotion of peace and security are being discussed, they bring a different perspective: they focus on health, housing and clean water and not just on ceasefires, weapons reduction and securing of borders.

At the heart of the equally safe strategy is the principle that all women and girls, regardless of background, race, religion or sexual orientation, should feel safe in their communities and should live without fear of violence and abuse. Internationally, Scotland—working in partnership with the United Nations—has pledged practical and financial support for women and girls to achieve that goal and to learn peace-building skills and conflict-resolution skills. In a programme that runs over three days and consists of talks, seminars and lessons, women and girls have access to international peacekeeping experts and female role models who are in positions of power. They have an opportunity to learn from each other about the fundamentals of peacekeeping.

That programme has been proved to have had a lasting and positive impact on the individuals who have taken part, and on the future of many war-affected areas of the world. In particular, the approach has hugely benefited Syria, and the actions of the Scottish Government have been recognised internationally as having played their part in supporting a peace settlement for Syria—one that is shaped by women as well as by men.

Our First Minister was the first world leader to address the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the importance of women playing our part at home and internationally. She spoke of the importance of societies and countries having a focus on welfare, and of peace promotion.

There are many other ways in which the Scottish Government is promoting gender equality, and the promotion and empowerment of women. All women in Scotland can stand for the Scottish Parliament and—importantly—we have a dedicated minister for equalities and a commitment to upholding women’s rights.

It is worth noting the European countries and other countries around the world that have women leaders. They include New Zealand, Germany, Poland and Scandinavian countries. Recently, I met the President and Vice-president of the Nordic Council: both are women, and both are very impressive.

I note the importance of having an outward-looking international approach to tackling violence and discrimination—against anyone, because men, women and others must all work together to promote equality.

I wish all women the best for international women’s day on Sunday.