WOMEN make up more than half of board members appointed to oversee public bodies in Scotland for the first time.
The milestone followed new legislation setting a target for 50% of non-executive members on public boards to be women by 2022.
The Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act came into force in March last year and applies to health boards, enterprise agencies, the Scottish Police Authority, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, colleges and universities. Of the 680 regulated ministerial appointments to public boards, 341 were women, up from 45% at the end of 2016.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said the aim is for all public boards having 50% women appointed. She said: “We are shattering the so-called glass ceiling. It is encouraging to see these figures but it is important we continue to encourage women to apply for these positions.
“This progress has been achieved through the shared ambition and action of all of those involved and our Act will ensure it doesn’t slip back.”
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