Women 5050 is hosting blogs from women MSPs from across political parties who support fair representation.
This week, meet Ruth Maguire, SNP MSP for Cunninghame South.
I’ve long supported the 50/50 campaign. To me the under-representation of women in public life is simply unacceptable and we have to address the structural reasons behind that with meaningful action that gets results.
Whilst I acknowledge we all still have a great distance to travel in terms of the ethnic diversity in the Scottish Parliament, it is evident that, where positive action has been taken by the main parties, the public get representatives who better reflect their community. It’s also crystal clear which side of the chamber doesn’t see the problem!
With the argument won that action is needed, it’s crucial that we continue the momentum. I am very pleased that SNP national council agreed mechanisms at the weekend which will see even more women SNP candidates for the council elections in 2017.
This week I set down my first parliamentary motion and was happy to receive cross party support and congratulations for Ayrshire College on their #ThisManCan campaign and event on the 26th. That excellent campaign aims to encourage more men into careers in health and social care. It’s not only women that are held back by inequality. If we can stop limiting ourselves by notions of what men and women “do” then it’s better for society as a whole.
I look forward to continuing to work both in and outside the parliament on driving the 50/50 agenda forward.