We should all share sexism concern

Until the recent decision by Kezia Dugdale to step down as Labour leader, each of the three main Scottish political parties was led by a woman. It was a unique situation, with politics having been traditionally regarded as a place where men rule.

After last year’s US presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton – for so long the favourite to win – claimed sexism was among the factors in her ultimate defeat to Alpha male Donald Trump.

Despite the prominence of females in the top political jobs here, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has now spoken of her own struggle to overcome outdated attitudes early in her career.

Talking of the “dangerous and unacceptable” pressure high-profile women face over their appearance, she also warned that, far from making great strides forward, the pervasive nature of modern social media means the situation may in fact be worsening.

It is a warning we would all do well to heed.

While many younger people live their lives online, parents are all too often blissfully unaware of the potential dangers they face.

The sense of a need to conform is strong, particularly among the young.

It is only by changing attitudes throughout society and, crucially, throughout generations that positive change will genuinely be realised.