On Women’s Day
She endorsed The National’s special International Women’s Day edition, adding that it was important to highlight different perspectives.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea. When you have focuses like that, not only is it a celebration but it also gives organisations the opportunity to go out there and get that talent and to amplify it, and to show people that there is a different lens, there is a different view which is actually interesting to everyone in society.”
Hannah Bardell, SNP MP for Livingston, also showed support for the paper’s special edition.
“I really endorse what The National are doing with an all-female team,” she said.
“We’re at a pretty sad and difficult time at the moment in politics and public discourse, where women and minority groups are being attacked just for using their voice.
“We have to stand up and show that having more women in public life not only benefits women, it benefits men as well because we get better policies for families, for minority groups, for everyone.”
Social Justice Secretary ShirleyAnne Somerville said the edition was a “significant moment in the world of Scottish journalism”.
She added: “Every page of this pro-independence, all-female edition is steeped in struggle; the struggle for gender parity and the struggle for Scotland’s future to once again be in Scotland’s hands.
“If it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication of women – including those responsible for this publication – the independence movement would not be what it is, nor can we achieve full gender equality without the full powers of an independent country.
“To see such a positive vision for women across the world outlined today is heartening and I hope it encourages women to get involved and make their voices heard.”
Meanwhile, Robison criticised Westminster policies for their impact on women, saying: “Advancing equality for women and girls is at the heart of the SNP’s work and it is central to our vision of an independent Scotland.
“The SNP in government have taken action where we can with the limited powers at our disposal to progress equality for women – from appointing the first gender-balanced Cabinet in the UK to introducing world-leading domestic abuse laws.
“While we will continue to stand up for equality for all women, we know that so much of the damage Westminster is causing disproportionately impacts women.”