Young women in the Highland region have led a research project to better understand and end social isolation in the area, the findings of which have been released today (Wednesday 31^st January). The campaign was run through Young Women Lead – a programme delivered by The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women’s feminist leadership and collective action against gender inequality. 

The group asked self-identifying young women and girls who live or have lived in the Highlands to send in anonymous creative submissions to better understand lived experiences of social isolation in the region – one of Europe’s most sparsely populated areas – and identify solutions.  

Social isolation experienced by young women in the Highlands is a complex issue rooted in structural and social obstacles, which has worsened due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. A lack of reliable and affordable public transport and services were identified as key root causes, along with the migration of young people who leave the area due to low employment prospects or to pursue higher education. Themes of isolation negatively affecting young women’s confidence, mental health and alcohol use were discovered in the submissions. 

The research found an urgent need to support young women who are experiencing isolation in the area. Recommendations include the improvement of transport and the creation of more services and spaces that better cater to young women and girls in the area, with one respondent writing: ‘Those who remain are viewed as less intelligent or open minded, we need to work to change the stigma around this. And create new opportunities for young people who wish to stay, and others who may wish to come here.’  

Young Women Lead is a feminist leadership programme for women and non-binary people aged 16–30 years old. The programme provides participants with a unique space to share their experiences and work together to create real tangible change. Working in different local authority areas across Scotland, Young Women Lead focuses on providing free training opportunities and engaging with local democracy through facilitating a group project tackling a local issue. 

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘It’s widely evidenced that there is a significant issue in relation to social isolation in rural communities in Scotland. This new report sheds light on the heightened social isolation faced by young women in and offers a platform for them to share the experiences that are unique to them. I am grateful to the young women who bravely and openly shared their experiences. Their creativity evokes raw and powerful emotions of what it means to feel socially isolated for a young woman in the Scottish Highlands.’ 

The analysis of social isolation in the Highlands can be found on The Young Women’s Movement’s website, alongside a digital zine of the creative submissions received. 

• ENDS 

Notes to editors 

Please direct all media requests to Abi Baross, Communications and Influencing Lead at The Young Women’s Movement, at abi@youngwomenscot.org or on 07733 025610. 
Please note, The Young Women’s Movement operates on a Monday–Thursday 4-day week. 

The Young Women’s Movement
The Young Women’s Movement is Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights. We are local in action and national in impact.
Young women are at the heart of everything we do. They inform, shape and lead our organisation and the work we do. We work alongside young women to amplify their voices and take action.  Our vision is a fairer Scotland for all self-identifying young women and girls. 
For 100 years, we have been a collective force changing things for the better for young women in Scotland. 
Find us online at youngwomenscot.org, or find us on @youngwomenscot on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.