Local MSP for Linlithgow, Fiona Hyslop, has backed a campaign by Girlguiding Scotland to address gender equality issues in schools.
Fiona Hyslop highlighted the need for more support in schools to address gender equality, gender-based harassment, and improved sex and relationship studies as part of the curriculum for excellence in schools across Scotland.
Girlguiding Scotland have called on the Scottish Government to take urgent action on the widespread but often hidden issue of sexual harassment in schools.
The Girl Guides have called for compulsory high quality sex and relationship education which covers consent, online abuse, gender equality, and healthy relationships.
These calls have also been given support by the Zero Tolerance and Equally Safe at School campaign.
Equally Safe at School was developed to equip schools with the necessary tools required to challenge gender-based violence and stereotypes in school, as well as promote gender equality.
Last week in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Hyslop asked the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skill, Shirley-Anne Somerville, what action the Government plans to take to tackle gender-based harassment in schools in response to the report ‘Misogyny – A Human Rights Issue’.
Fiona Hyslop said: “I welcome all action from the Scottish Government to tackle gender-based violence and harassment in schools across Scotland.
“I was pleased to hear from the Cabinet Secretary of the measures the Scottish Government are currently taking including a number of targeted programmes to support positive behaviour and relationships.
“The programmes include Equally Safe at School to tackle gender-based violence and Fearless to educate and support school pupils in speaking up about crime.
“Following the calls from Girlguiding Scotland, Zero Tolerance, Rape Crisis and others, it remains crucial that we do all we can in Scotland to ensure schools are a safe place for our young people and eliminate gender-based violence and harassment.”
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