Scottish women missing in action

A new report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland shows a continuing trend of women being passed over for top jobs in Scotland.

Sex & Power 2011 is an index of women in positions of power and influence across the public and private sector. 

Figures from the report reveal that, while women are graduating from university in increasing numbers and achieve better degree results than men, and despite level pegging with men in their twenties, they are not entering management ranks at the same rate, and many remain trapped in the layer below senior management. 

The report looked at 14 occupational categories in Scotland and revealed that, while the number of women in some senior posts has increased since 2007/8, there are still areas where there are significant gaps. These areas include the police force, council leaders and members of the Scottish Parliament.

Some of the reasons for these gaps include:

• Outdated working patterns and inflexible organisations.
• Part time work remaining undervalued.
• Migration away from corporate careers – women are moving into self employment faster than they are moving into senior management roles, suggesting that women are seeking alternate ways to work.