The representation of women in British politics has gradually improved in recent decades. But even in better-performing arenas like the Scottish Parliament, it remains the case that far fewer than half of representatives are women. Progress is also uneven at different levels of government, with even greater under-representation of women in local politics. When women are elected to serve, they tend to confront more scrutiny and challenges than male colleagues.
This session brings together a woman-identified expert panel of academics, thirdsector practitioners and representatives to share their experiences and discuss how these inequalities can be overcome at both individual and societal levels.The session is hosted by the John Smith Centre and supported by the PSA’s Elections, Public Opinion and Parties specialist group.
Confirmed Panellists
- Eva Bolander – Lord Provost of Glasgow
- Dr. Meryl Kenny – Senior Lecturer in Gender and Politics, University of Edinburgh
- Talat Yaqoob – Director of Equate Scotland, Chair of Women5050
- Emmeline Ledgerwood – PhD student, British Library/University of Leicester, collaborator on History of Parliament Oral History project
- Eve Livingston (moderator) – Multi-award winning freelance journalist
