Exchanging experiences of gender mainstreaming

Gender mainstreaming is an approach to policy making in which equal opportunities principles are integrated into the work of government and other public bodies.

Do you work in Scotland or overseas developing and promoting policies that support gender mainstreaming?

Two way exchanges

We work with organisations in Scotland and overseas to organise study tours and exchanges that enable the sharing and learning of experiences about initiatives that address the inequalities that women face.  

The initiatives include programmes that:

			promote women in policy making
			encourage female leadership
			campaign against violence targeted at women.

Examples include:

			Video conferences between Edinburgh and Calcutta for women involved in politics and civil society. Read more
			A work shadowing exchange programme for women MPs from Africa and the UK. Read about the experience of Scottish MP Ann McKechin who participated in an MP shadowing exchange with Zambia.

We arrange information sharing with Scottish NGOs including:

			Engender who work to increase women’s capacity to exercise influence especially in public life
			Zero Tolerance which is known internationally for its campaigns against violence against women.

Gender mainstreaming in Scotland

Equal opportunities is a founding principle of the Scottish Parliament. The 50-50 campaign in the run up to the Scottish Parliament elections 1999 lobbied for 50% female representation.

The Parliament has committed to working family friendly hours and breaking for recess at times that coincide with school holidays. In addition, there is an equal opportunities committee in the Parliament that scrutinises legislation for equality matters.

The Scottish Government is committed to equal opportunities and has an Equality Unit which is responsible for equality mainstreaming. The Equal Opportunities Commission in Scotland provides information and advice, runs campaigns, supports legal cases and works with the Scottish Government and Parliament to develop best practice and the promotion of equality.

Are you a professional working in the area of gender whose expertise could benefit another country?

We would like to hear from you. Please e-mail lucy.young@britishcouncil.org or telephone +44 (0)131 524 5715.

Study tours to Scotland are initiated by our overseas offices.