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The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Major report reveals widespread sexism and abuse in politics
Engender's report titled 'The Road to Success - Women's Candidate Journey and Way to Advance it' laid bare the enduring challenges faced by women pursuing political office in Scotland, warning that without urgent cultural reform within parties, progress toward gender parity could stall—or reverse. The research was conducted by the feminist policy organisation between July and November 2024 and examined women's experiences of political candidate selection processes. The survey involved 159 participants and 15 in-depth interviews with women with candidacy experience across Scotland's political parties. A total of 33% were SNP, 18% were Greens, 17% Labour, 8% from the Liberal Democrats and 5% from the Conservatives. One of the most prominent findings was the prevalence of abuse. Over 70% of respondents reported experiencing online harassment, and only 11% felt "very safe" during their campaigns. Read more: 'Why are women in Scottish politics still facing hurdles?' Holyrood 2026: Fears over female MSP representation 'We are outnumbered': Female councillor on 'male aggression' in Scotland's councils One respondent even said they moved house due to threats they faced. Others said they modified their behaviour as a result of the abuse. Over a third of respondents said they didn't receive any support around safety from their party. One comment even alluded to the existence of a culture of silence around raising safety concerns: 'I didn't receive support and I don't think I even reported it - you want to be seen as tough.' 'I have been spat on, shouted at, abused and physically shoved countless times,' wrote one candidate. Another said they have received "several thousand hateful comments and messages" on social media. 'I have mixed feelings about encouraging other women to stand because of the level of abuse online," one said. The report also found that candidate selection processes are often biased and rooted in a default model favouring white, male, middle-class, non-disabled candidates. 'We can't win here with someone who looks like her,' recalled one woman, quoting a party member's remark during her candidacy. One interviewee said: 'The processes are too complex and not easy to understand. This favours established party people 'in the know' who then tend to be the most represented - men, white.' Another added: 'Unless you're one of the boys, the wife of one of the boys, or in the 'right' political sub-group, it seems there's no interest in your involvement.' The report also found that many of the crucial structures, cultures and processes surrounding candidate selection still do not work for women. Everyday sexism, gender stereotypes, sexist bullying, and online abuse are widespread, the report states, and deters women from participating fully — leading to safety concerns, emotional burnout, and a reluctance to stand again. Talking about the culture in local councils, one respondent said: 'We often persuade great people to join, guide them through the selection process, and they get elected. "But they may eventually fall away because it can be an unpleasant experience or they experience online harassment or in-person bullying and harassment, council chambers especially can be quite hostile—worse than Holyrood or Westminster, I'd say." Of those surveyed, 24% of selected candidates said they experienced sexist language or bullying. The report found evidence of widespread bias at all stages against those with caring responsibilities, and a lack of practical support from parties to help manage these. One parliamentary candidate said: "I have three children and was a councillor during the election. No thought was given to these responsibilities during the campaign.' Disabled women also reported a lack of consideration around access and support throughout their journeys. Women, especially from black, minority ethnic, and disabled groups, encounter multiple systemic barriers across all stages of becoming political candidates, according to the report— including lack of transparency, funding, guidance, sexist attitudes, online harassment, and caring responsibilities. Only 35% of survey respondents felt their party genuinely prioritised diversity in candidate selection. Everyday sexism, including inappropriate comments and gendered stereotypes, remains commonplace across parties, with 24% of selected candidates experiencing sexist language or bullying. While the 2021 Holyrood election secured a 45% representation rate among women MSPs, the report states 'progress has stalled in other electoral spaces'. Women comprise only 35% of councillors after the 2022 local elections and 35% of Scottish MPs following the 2024 General Election. The report states that a 'major drive of success' in creating better representation at Holyrood in 2021 was the use of gender quotas by the SNP, Scottish Labour and the Scottish Greens. However, the report goes on to state that the use of such quotas relies on parties continuing to 'opt-in". It adds: 'Without the backing of robust legislation to enforce them, the transformative impact of quotas is diluted.' The report calls for Scottish political parties to go beyond procedural fixes and embrace deep structural and cultural change. This includes adopting gender-balanced selection panels, offering practical support for candidates with caring responsibilities, and tackling the culture of abuse with proper training and response mechanisms. The authors stress that the upcoming 2026 Holyrood and 2027 local elections present a crucial opportunity to demonstrate real commitment to equality. 'Without decisive action to address these systematic barriers, progress on women's representation risks stalling or reversing, undermining the health of Scottish democracy,' the report concludes. Noomi Anyanwu, development officer for Engender, said: "We have been in conversations with women and female politicians all over Scotland for several years now. They all tell a similar story: The political arena is becoming increasingly hostile, especially for women and marginalised women. With our report, we wanted to dig deep and explore the candidate journey—from preparing to stand as a candidate, including all the interview and vetting processes, to being elected and what happens after. "There is still an image of the ideal candidate: white, middle-class, able-bodied, and male. For anyone who falls out of these categories, this means being prepared for additional barriers. "Abuse, lack of support, and biases were reported widely among our survey participants and interviewees. Nearly 30% would not recommend candidacy to underrepresented groups. It's understandable considering what women must endure to make it as politicians, but we don't want to settle for this. "Change needs to happen, so we urge political parties, governments, councils, and other stakeholders to implement measures and commit to equal and diverse representation. I want to see at least 50% women in our parliaments—for that to happen, we need to see a real culture change first." Responding to the report, the SNP's Rona Mackay said that there should be "no obstacle or impediment to women's participation in politics", adding that the SNP will continue working to ensure equal representation for women and a safe environment for everyone. She added: 'Representation is vital for progress - the SNP is proud to be one of the first governments in world with a gender balanced cabinet and we are pleased to have consistently improved the gender balance of our MSPs over the years. 'The SNP will continue to utilise networks and events to support women to stand for elected office - recognising the challenges that exist in political culture, the media and wider society.' Scottish Labour said the report was a "stark reminder" of the "appalling sexism and online abuse too many women in politics continue to face." A spokesperson for the party added: 'It's clear more must be done to tackle sexism in politics and across society. 'Scottish Labour will continue to promote gender balance in our selection processes through the use of measures like twinning, and we will continue to work to remove the barriers women face. 'All political parties have a responsibility to support women in politics and show leadership in tackling sexism across society, and Scottish Labour is committed to doing so.' Scottish Lib Dems deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain told The Herald the report is "distressing" but it is "not entirely unsurprising" that so many women have experienced abuse online. The Scottish MP added: "Sadly, that has become a reality for many women with careers that are so public-facing." Ms Chamberlain said her party is committed to "nurturing" an environment where female candidates, parliamentarians and staff are safe and valued, highlighting that her party is "clamping down" on hateful and intimidating behaviour and bringing more women on board as spokespeople as well as campaigning for doubling statutory maternity pay and expanding parental leave. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton MSP said: 'The Scottish Conservatives do not tolerate sexism or sexist bullying of any kind. 'We have robust procedures in place to address any incidents of this nature. 'Under Russell Findlay's leadership, we are committed to supporting even more talented women into our ranks.' The Scottish Greens say they support candidates and elected representatives with media training which includes how to deal with abuse. A party spokesperson added: "There are support networks within the party through our welfare and conduct officers, representative groups and a conduct and complaints committee that party members, candidates and elected representatives can contact directly for help when they are subjected to abuse, harassment or threatening behaviour, online or offline. 'We have also reported media posts to the police in the past when candidates have been targeted and have worked with the police on candidate safety in response to threats and media posts. This is something we will do in future if necessary.'
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Female councillor on 'male aggression' in Scottish council
"In my experience, many male councillors will agree that there's space for women in the council — but only if we don't threaten their place. The men close ranks the second one of them is challenged by a woman. I've been called 'ungracious' just for speaking up, and told to 'stick to your skill set' when looking at a place on an influential committee — as if real influence rightly belongs to them because of their 'experience'. But how are we meant to get that experience if we're never given the chance? The truth is, the whole system was built by men, for men. We're allowed to speak — as long as we're agreeing. The moment we challenge the status quo, we're seen as the problem. Inside the chamber, I'm met with open aggression: constant undermining, criticism, and men disagreeing no matter what I say. Outside the chamber, it's everyday sexism that chips away at you: comments about my appearance, how attractive I look on a particular day or how my voice sounds. READ MORE: 'Why are women in Scottish politics still facing hurdles?' Holyrood 2026: Fears over female MSP representation There's the jokes 'better get up the road and make your man's tea' if I'm still in the building after a specific time, and even more sinister comments like being told to fix an issue with a male councillor by going on a 'date night' with him. All of this is exhausting. It chips away at your confidence and becomes a constant distraction from the real, positive reasons we step forward: to serve the community and make a difference. It spills over into family life too. They're the ones we rely upon for support. We're there, willing and able to contribute fully — but we're held back by these barriers and by a culture that undermines us at every turn. I'm not sure the public realises just how much this limits the impact women can make, even when we do manage to get a seat at the table. We're told women aren't robust enough for politics. But what that really means is that we won't match the masculine aggression that some men bring and is encouraged amongst others. That isn't weakness. It's refusing to become part of the toxic culture that still dominates local politics. Why is open aggression accepted within our chambers under the guise of 'freedom of expression' and then act surprised when the public mirrors that same hostility? As the Engender report illustrates, women are trying to get a seat at the table, but that table has been designed by men for men. Until the culture changes it will always somewhere where women are treated as outsiders rather than equals. I am not convinced we will ever see any culture change, it is not just slow, its blocked. When women try to challenge the status quo, the men close ranks. Threatened with reports to Ethical Standards, using the system and processes against us, making women's positions within their parties feel precarious and threatening their places of any real influence. The atmosphere turns hostile, fear keeps most silent, we are outnumbered." Engender's report 'The Road to Success- Women's Candidate Journey and Way to Advance it', seen exclusively by The Herald and set to be published on Monday, laid bare the challenges faced by women pursuing political office in Scotland. It found that everyday sexism and sexist bullying within local parties was widespread.
STV News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- STV News
Letter urges Police Scotland to reject 'misogynistic' pregnancy loss investigations
A letter signed by 29 campaign groups has urged Police Scotland to reject 'misogynistic' guidelines that would allow officers to search grieving women for abortion drugs. Women's rights groups, abortion care providers, healthcare bodies, human rights organisations, and trade unions have signed a letter that condemns the UK National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) new guidance on child death investigation. The new guidance allows police to investigate any pregnancy loss, and advises officers to search for 'drugs that can terminate pregnancy' in cases involving stillbirths. This includes allowing searches of mothers' mobile phones if a baby dies unexpectedly in the womb, as well as accessing medical records without a court order. It comes after legislation that would see abortion decriminalised for women terminating their own pregnancies in England and Wales cleared the Commons. MPs voted 312 to 95, majority 217 to approve the Crime and Policing Bill at third reading on Wednesday. With the child death investigation legislation currently only regarding England and Wales, a group of 29 leading civil society and health organisations has written to Chief Constable Jo Farrell, calling on Police Scotland to publicly reject the controversial guidelines. STV News Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell has been urged to reject the guidelines. Anti-sexist organisation Engender, which coordinated the letter, calls on the force not to follow the 'deeply intrusive investigations' and instead 'bring the law into the 21st century'. Catherine Murphy, executive director, said: 'Women now find themselves in the perilous situation where the laws governing abortion in Scotland have not kept up with advancements like abortion medicines and reproductive tracking apps. 'Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Scottish Parliament need to act urgently to end the scope for prosecutions and bring the law into the 21st century.' The letter also warns that marginalised communities – including those in poverty, women of colour, disabled women, migrants, young women, LBT+ people, and those in rural areas – would be disproportionately impacted by such investigations. It also reveals that data published last year found that police in Scotland have pursued several abortion related cases in the previous two decades. 'Police Scotland has a choice,' said Jill Wood, Policy Manager at Engender. 'They can follow the lead of health experts and human rights bodies, or they can adopt guidance that will cause demonstrable harm to women in Scotland. We urge them to choose compassion over criminalisation.' Dr Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said any investigations are 'not in the public's best interest'. She said: 'We are very alarmed by the increasing number of women being prosecuted for ending their own pregnancy, including women who have experienced the tragedy of an unexplained pregnancy loss being criminally investigated. 'This is not in the public's best interest. 'The new National Police Chiefs' Council guidance is truly shocking to read. Women in these circumstances have a right to compassionate care and to have their dignity and privacy respected, not to have their homes, phones, computers and health apps searched, or be arrested and interrogated. 'Parliamentarians now have an unmissable opportunity to decriminalise abortion, to ensure women can access abortion safely, confidentially and free from the threat of investigation and prosecution.' Abortion Rights vice chair Judith Orr said: 'It is truly horrifying that women who have suffered the trauma of pregnancy loss are being treated like criminals, with no regard for their right to privacy over their reproductive health. These invasive police actions are being justified by legislation from 1861 – a time when women had no legal autonomy, let alone the right to vote. Signatories to the letter include Engender, Abortion Rights Scotland, Young Women's Movement, Back Off Scotland, Humanist Society Scotland, Close the Gap, Scottish Women's Convention, Scottish Women's Budget Group, Zero Tolerance, Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Abortion Care Providers Network, Faculty for Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Scotland, Amnesty International UK, Scottish Women's Aid, Royal College of Midwives, STUC, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Equality Network, Scottish Trans, Equate Scotland, Human Rights Consortium Scotland, British Pregnancy Advisory Service, Women's Enterprise Scotland, Liberty, Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Amma Birth Companions, NUS Scotland, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), Inclusion Scotland. Police Scotland has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
19-06-2025
- Health
- The National
Police Scotland urged to reject 'misogynistic' guidance on pregnancy loss
Women's rights and human rights groups have condemned the UK National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) guidance on child death investigation as "disgraceful" and "misogynistic by design." The updated guidance encourages police to carry out what have been branded 'deeply intrusive investigations' into any unexpected pregnancy loss. READ MORE: World-first as new scanner for brain tumour patients trialled in Aberdeen It includes instructions on seizing women's digital devices to examine search histories and fertility app data, as well as advice on accessing medical records without a court order. Earlier this week, the UK Parliament voted to halt criminal sanctions against women for terminating their own pregnancies via backing an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. However, as this legislation only relates to England and Wales, a lack of clarity remains on whether these guidelines could still apply or be used in Scotland, campaigners say. A group of 29 organisations have now written to Chief Constable Jo Farrell calling on Police Scotland to reject the new guidelines. The executive director of Engender, Catherine Murphy (below), said: 'Women now find themselves in the perilous situation where the laws governing abortion in Scotland have not kept up with advancements like abortion medicines and reproductive tracking apps. (Image: Contributed) 'Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Scottish Parliament need to act urgently to end the scope for prosecutions and bring the law into the 21st century. "The NPCC guidance describes women being targeted as 'criminal suspects' during one of the most sensitive and vulnerable experiences of their lives – pregnancy loss. It's unconscionable." The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists described the guidance as "shocking," and clinicians warn it creates a "climate of fear" among healthcare staff. "Women experiencing pregnancy loss need compassionate care, not criminal investigation," said Dr Sinead Cook, chair of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Scotland Committee. 'These methods violate fundamental rights to dignity, privacy and healthcare." The letter warns that marginalised communities – including those in poverty, women of colour, disabled women, migrants, young women, LBT+ people, and those in rural areas – would be disproportionately impacted by such investigations. "Police Scotland has a choice," said Jill Wood, policy manager at Engender. "They can follow the lead of health experts and human rights bodies, or they can adopt guidance that will cause demonstrable harm to women in Scotland. We urge them to choose compassion over criminalisation." Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
The National
19-06-2025
- Health
- The National
Police Scotland urged to reject 'misogynistic' guidance on child death
Women's rights and human rights groups have condemned the UK National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) guidance on child death investigation as "disgraceful" and "misogynistic by design." The updated guidance encourages police to carry out what have been branded 'deeply intrusive investigations' into any unexpected pregnancy loss. READ MORE: World-first as new scanner for brain tumour patients trialled in Aberdeen It includes instructions on seizing women's digital devices to examine search histories and fertility app data, as well as advice on accessing medical records without a court order. Earlier this week the UK Parliament voted to halt criminal sanctions against women for terminating their own pregnancies via backing an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. However, as this legislation only relates to England and Wales, a lack of clarity remains on whether these guidelines could still apply or be used in Scotland, campaigners say. A group of 29 organisations have now written to Chief Constable Jo Farrell calling on Police Scotland to reject the new guidelines. The executive director of Engender, Catherine Murphy (below), said: 'Women now find themselves in the perilous situation where the laws governing abortion in Scotland have not kept up with advancements like abortion medicines and reproductive tracking apps. (Image: Contributed) 'Police Scotland, the Crown Office and Scottish Parliament need to act urgently to end the scope for prosecutions and bring the law into the 21st century. "The NPCC guidance describes women being targeted as 'criminal suspects' during one of the most sensitive and vulnerable experiences of their lives – pregnancy loss. It's unconscionable." The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists described the guidance as "shocking," and clinicians warn it creates a "climate of fear" among healthcare staff. "Women experiencing pregnancy loss need compassionate care, not criminal investigation," said Dr Sinead Cook, chair of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Scotland Committee. 'These methods violate fundamental rights to dignity, privacy and healthcare." The letter warns that marginalised communities – including those in poverty, women of colour, disabled women, migrants, young women, LBT+ people, and those in rural areas – would be disproportionately impacted by such investigations. "Police Scotland has a choice," said Jill Wood, policy manager at Engender. "They can follow the lead of health experts and human rights bodies, or they can adopt guidance that will cause demonstrable harm to women in Scotland. We urge them to choose compassion over criminalisation." Police Scotland has been approached for comment.
