Today (Tuesday 3rd December) COSLA’s Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, Councillor Maureen Chalmers, chaired a 16 Days Spotlight event highlighting the crucial importance of achieving gender equality in representation in public life. The event was supported by the Improvement Service,  as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Councillor Maureen Chalmers explains:

“Sometimes it is hard to understand why women’s equal representation in public life, including as democratically elected Council Members locally, is so important to achieving the rights of all women and girls to live free from fear of male violence in their lives.

"I am delighted to be Chairing today’s 16 Days event organised by the Improvement Service and the National Violence Against Women Partnership Strategic Network to explore this with professionals providing services and supporting communities across our public and third sectors here in Scotland. Joined by Elect Her, Engender, Scottish Youth Parliament, Scottish Women’s Convention, and Young Women Speak, we will be considering why achieving gender equality in public life is crucial for creating a fair and just society.

"It empowers women, improves health and economic outcomes, and fosters social cohesion. Importantly, gender equality is a key factor in preventing violence against women and girls by addressing power imbalances, enhancing legal protections, and promoting cultural change.

"By striving for gender equality, we can build safer, healthier, and more inclusive communities for everyone. I look forward to COSLA considering and building on the outcomes of today’s important discussions.”

Why Gender Equality in Public Life Matters:

· Empowerment and Representation: Ensures women have a voice in decision-making processes.

· Health and Wellbeing: Leads to better health outcomes and economic benefits.

· Social and Cultural Change: Reduces gender stereotypes and promotes social cohesion.

· Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls: Addresses power imbalances, enhances legal protections, and promotes cultural change.

Supporting the 16 Days Campaign

Visit the Improvement Service website to find a calendar of events and a toolkit of social media assets to support the 16 Days campaign: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence | Improvement Service

Follow the Improvement Service and COSLA on social media and use these hashtags: #16Days #GenderEquality #EndVAWG #Equally Safe