Audit launched into women’s participation at Holyrood

Holyrood has launched an audit on the representation and participation of women in the Scottish Parliament.

The work will cover the number and position of female MSPs, interventions in the chamber as well as the impact of parliamentary procedures and policies.

Despite the intention of Holyrood to be a more inclusive and provide a more family-friendly working environment, women have never made up 50% of MSPs.

Growing pressure on political parties led them last year to introduce a range of measures to try to address the issue including all-women shortlists for constituency selection contests, and zipped lists - where female and male candidates are alternated.

Women currently account for 45% of the country's 129 MSPs. 

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said: "This is an important opportunity to have a broad look at how the Parliament takes account of barriers to equal representation in its work.”

Work on the audit will begin immediately with a report detailing recommendations for improvement due by the end of 2022.