Engender Report: Women’s Political Journey

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Engender report, Women's Political Journey: Exploring the election process and women's experiences of abuse, exclusion and bias, including vital recommendations for improvement; notes that, according to the report, women comprise 45% of MSPs, 35% of Scottish MPs, and 35% of Scottish councillors; understands that the report draws on research between July and November 2024, facilitated through in-depth interviews and a survey of women with candidacy experience; further understands that the report explored the wide range of barriers that women face becoming political candidates, including in candidacies, selections, and internal campaigning; notes with concern the key findings of the report, including a lack of candidacy process support, guidance and training available for women, and the reported increase in online and verbal harassment faced by candidates during the campaign, and pays tribute to the participants who contributed to the report through the survey and interviews, and to the ongoing research by Engender into creating a safer and more equal society, with equal opportunities, resources, and representation for all.