Programme for Government analysis by Saffron Roberts, Research and Policy Coordinator at The Young Women’s Movement
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
As the Scottish Government outlines its priorities for the coming year, we welcome the recognition and inclusion of some key issues that affect young women across Scotland. We’re specifically encouraged to note the commitment made on delivering on the recommendation made by the First Minister’s National Advisory Council for Women and Girls to produce the first Annual Statement on Gender Policy Coherence, and the continued work with NACWG to tackle gender inequality.
However, the Programme for Government falls short of addressing these issues with the urgency and depth required. The lack of an intersectional gendered approach is concerning, especially given that it leaves many vulnerable and marginalised young women exposed to further disadvantage. The Young Women’s Movement calls for immediate, concrete commitments to ensure that the intersectional voices and lived experiences of young women are embedded across all Scottish Government policy.
As an organisation rooted in youth work principles, we are pleased to see a focus on investing in community‑based youth work that reaches young people outside the classroom. We know from our work with young women the transformative impact of community-based, youth-led projects. That said, we are concerned by the absence of any reference to secure and sustainable funding for the third sector, which is essential for the survival of these initiatives. Without a commitment to fair funding, the Scottish Government is undervaluing the role of the third sector and risking the sustainability and progress of our vital work in communities and across society.
It is reassuring that the Government has demonstrated a commitment to eradicating child poverty and acknowledged the undeniable link between women’s and children’s poverty. Our incoming research with Scottish Women’s Budget Group on young women’s experiences of the cost-of-living crisis has highlighted some stark findings on young women’s economic situations. This includes the impact on mental health and wellbeing, safe and affordable housing, and increasing levels of debt. We call for a stronger commitment to applying a gendered approach to budgeting and a clear strategy to address the economic injustices that women, especially young women, face. Tackling child poverty in Scotland is impossible without addressing the structural barriers that leave young women economically vulnerable.
The omission of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill from the Programme for Government is a significant disappointment given its potential to drive inclusive growth. While the Government’s commitment to addressing inequalities faced by women and marginalised groups is a step in the right direction, these initiatives must go beyond rhetoric. Findings from our research and campaigns have highlighted that young women face entrenched gendered barriers in the workplace, from lower pay to limited opportunities for progression. These structural and systemic issues directly contribute to women’s, and by extension children’s, poverty. The government must recognise that eradicating child poverty requires a gendered approach, with young women’s voices actively shaping policies that dismantle workplace inequalities.
Our Status of Young Women in Scotland 2022–23 research found that young women were unable to access the healthcare they need and deserve. We are deeply concerned at the lack of mention of women’s health in the Programme for Government with no clear commitment to the development of the next Women’s Health Plan. It is vital the Scottish Government commits to the next phase of the Women’s Health Plan and that young women’s needs are embedded in both its development and implementation. The Young Women’s Movement sit on the Women’s Health Plan Implementation Board and will continue to advocate for young women’s health inequalities to be given the attention and action they deserve.
With recent progress on the passing of the Safe Access Zones Bill, we’re disappointed that a tangible commitment has not been made from Scottish Government on the modernisation of abortion law. Through our policy and influencing work we will continue to push for legislative changes to improve young women’s reproductive rights in Scotland before the end of this parliamentary term. We’re also concerned about the significant cuts to the mental health funding given the current mental health crisis affecting young women, and call on Government to review this in the December budget.
We are encouraged to see a strong commitment from Scottish Government to prevent and eradicate violence against women and girls through the Equally Safe Delivery plan. As we’ve seen from our projects such as Young Women Know, co-designing campaigns and strategies with young women results in more effective interventions. To address issues like sextortion and digital violence, with those aged 15–30 being particularly at risk, young women must be at the forefront of these conversations. We stand ready to collaborate with government colleagues and the women’s sector to ensure that the voices of young women are not just included but are leading these efforts.
As the government introduces the Misogyny Bill, recognising misogyny as a standalone offense, it is essential that the needs of young women are at the forefront of this legislation, particularly in addressing misogyny in the digital space – where misogyny often thrives unchecked. We will be working with young women and girls to ensure their voices and experiences are heard in the development and implementation of this bill. We urge the Government to do the same to ensure it effectively addresses the intersecting realities young women face.
Finally, we acknowledge the reference to strengthening human rights protection, however express huge disappointment at the absence of the Human Rights Bill in the legislative programme. Our Status of Young Women in Scotland 2024–25 research will shine a light on the specific human rights needs of young women and we would strongly urge Government to bring forward the introduction of the Bill, as previously promised. Delaying this crucial legislation risks further marginalisation of vulnerable groups, including young women and non-binary people, at a time when their rights are under threat.
As the Scottish Government moves to implement the programme, we stress the importance of young women’s voices being central to decision-making processes. The Scottish Government must apply a gendered approach to the budget in December and ensure that all policies reflect the realities faced by young women and girls across Scotland.
At The Young Women’s Movement, we are reflecting on what the UK Autumn Budget means for young women and girls across Scotland, particularly in relation to reducing poverty, tackling gender inequality and investing in local communities.
The cost-of-living crisis continues to deepen for young women and girls across Scotland. To mark Challenge Poverty Week 2024, The Young Women’s Movement and Scottish Women’s Budget Group are delighted to co-launch our report exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on young women in Scotland.
Ahead of the UK General Election, The Young Women’s Movement have launched a campaign to encourage young women to use their voice and exercise their democratic right to vote. We hope that candidates will implement the demands to improve the lives of young women and girls across Scotland and the UK.
In this post, Guest Blogger Maria Onatt discusses how current Green New Deals do not consider the gendered effects of climate change, and why they must take an intersectional feminist approach in order to create a sustainable future for all women.
