The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
MSP to mentor young woman
Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP Jenny Gilruth has launched a mentoring scheme to support a young woman in her constituency to achieve her goals and reach her full potential.
The First Minister’s First Mentor scheme, now in its second year, is supported by organisations such as the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Sports Association, and Nicola Sturgeon has called on more women who believe they have something to offer to launch their own mentorship schemes.
Ms Gilruth launched hers on International Women’s Day and said: “I am really looking forward to giving my time and sharing my experiences with a young woman in Mid Fife and Glenrothes to help them achieve their dreams – whatever they may be.
“I have absolutely no doubt that I will gain a lot from the experience myself.
“Changing perceptions is really important – if young women don’t perceive a glass ceiling, they are more likely to set higher goals for themselves.
“We have a duty as female public figures to set a positive example and indeed inspire the next generation of female leaders.
“Nicola Sturgeon’s genderbalanced cabinet is just one example of ways in which we can stoke the ambitions of the next generation and remind them that their gender is not a barrier.
“I hope I can inspire whoever applies to my mentorship scheme to believe in themselves and believe they can do whatever they set their minds to.”