Education Girls in Scotland have been achieving better exam results than boys, yet more boys than girls go on to university and college. Women are not represented properly in senior teaching positions in schools or higher education, and in and the media, where women are poorly represented in top level jobs. The Scottish Parliament will have powers FOR all aspects of the education service from nursery schools to universities, and it will also have powers for the arts and culture. Stronger equal opportunities policies and the employment of more women in top posts will help promote change in these areas. Law and regulation Anti-discrimination laws have provided more opportunities for women, but they need strengthened to be of greater benefit.
Family law is important for women as it regulates divorce, custody, and financial settlements.
The Criminal Justice system is also very important to women, dealing with rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. The Scottish Parliament will have powers for legislation on Family Law, and the Criminal Justice system. More sensitive handling of court cases will protect the privacy of victims of rape and sexual assault, and will offer protection for women. This falls far short of equal representation. The Campaign for Gender Equality in our Scottish Parliament succeeded in gaining the commitment of Labour who signed an Electoral Agreement on the principle of gender equality in representation.