Embargoed until 00:01 September 4, 2008
Sex and Power, the Equality and Human Rights Commission's annual report looking at women in positions of power and influence across the public and private sector, suggests a worrying trend of reversal or stalled progress -- with only a few significant increases.
Now in its fifth year, this year's report indicates fewer women hold top posts in 4 of the 14 categories . In another 6 categories, the number of women remains unchanged since 2007's index. Women's representation has increased in just 4 areas.
To highlight the scale of the challenge the Commission has calculated the women 'missing' from senior positions in Scotland.
Among the 'missing' women are:
- 130 missing from public appointments
- 85 missing head teachers in Secondary Schools
- 21 missing Members of Parliament
- 13 missing judges of the Court of Session
- 11 missing senior police officers
- 12 missing local authority chief executives
This year's Sex and Power report is part of the Commission's ongoing 'Working Better' campaign. Launched in July of this year, the campaign identifies innovative ways of working which can help meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Morag Alexander, Scotland Commissioner with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
'Young women's aspiration is giving way to frustration. They are now excelling at school -- in many cases outperforming boys. And they are keen to balance a family with a rewarding career. But workplaces forged in an era of 'stay at home mums' and 'breadwinner dads' are putting the break on their careers -- resulting in an avoidable loss of talent.'
‘We always speak of a glass ceiling. These figures reveal that in some cases it appears to be made of concrete. We need radical change, support those who are doing great work and help those who want to work better and release talent.’
The Commission’s report argues that today's findings are not just a 'women's issue' but are a powerful symptom of a wider failure. The report asks in what other ways are old-fashioned, inflexible ways of working preventing Scotland from tapping into talent - whether that of women or other under-represented groups such as disabled people, ethnic minorities or those with caring responsibilities. If we are to create an ambitious, fair and confident Scotland, then we cannot go on marginalising or rejecting talented people who fail to fit into traditional work patters.'
Ends
You can download a copy of the report here: 
Sex and Power Scotland (PDF 726 MB)
For more information please contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 0141 228 5979 or on 07970541369.
Notes to editors
Working Better launched on July 14, 2008 is a new initiative of the Commission aiming to identify and promote innovative new ways of working which help meet the challenges of the 21st century. Whether you are a woman aiming to shatter the glass ceiling, or someone with caring responsibilities, a mother or a father who wants to be a more active parent, a disabled person who wants a fulfilling career, a younger worker who wants phased entry into work, or an older worker who wants to stay in the labour market longer – the Commission believes this is the big issue of our time. For more information, visit http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/workingbetter
To mark the launch of our Working Better initiative, the Commission partnered with Mumsnet.com and Dad Info, two leading parenting websites, to launch their unique consultation, Home Front: What do mums and dads need to make life work? To take part in the consultation please visit: www.mumsnet.com and www.dad.info.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission will map out its vision for the future of work with the publication of a major report in the new year that will look at how we can 'work better'.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act. It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.