Funding to encourage women to enter politics

Nicola Sturgeon has announced a £500,000 fund to drive greater representation of women in Scottish politics in “tribute” to the suffragettes.

The First Minister said much progress had been made since women won the right to vote a century ago but stressed that more action is needed.

The Scottish Government fund will provide grants for local initiatives to encourage women to take up political roles and to projects commemorating the 100th anniversary, including those run by Glasgow Women’s Library.

Speaking ahead of a Holyrood debate celebrating a century of women’s suffrage in the UK, Ms Sturgeon said: “Celebrating the 100th anniversary of women securing the right to vote is a great occasion.

“Not only does it remind us of women’s achievements – it is also a time to inject new momentum into increasing women’s political representation and supporting their contribution to Scottish political and public life.

“While we have a come a long way since 1918, much 0 Statue of Alice Hawkins honours her suffrage role still needs to be done if we are to eradicate gender inequality and create a fairer and more prosperous country.

“By supporting community initiatives and womenempowerment projects, we are making an important step towards securing that future.

“This funding will ensure we pay tribute to the women who fought for the rights that women have today, as well as playing a part in encouraging the next generation of women leaders.”

On Sunday, a bronze statue of suffragette Alice Hawkins was unveiled in Leicester. The shoe factory machinist led the women’s suffrage movement in the city in the early 1900s.