Chamber and committees

Inquiry into Women's Unfair Responsibility for Unpaid Care and Domestic Work

The Committee agreed to undertake work in this area following evidence it received as part of its pre-budget scrutiny. Members heard that the burden placed on women in relation to unpaid caring duties for elderly parents and children and an increase in domestic work during lockdown, and as the country emerges from the pandemic, is likely to have a long-term negative impact on their future rights and economic prospects. 

Evidence sessions 

On 7 December 2021 the Committee held an introductory session on this issue with groups representing women’s rights. It took evidence from—

• Ruth Boyle, Policy and Parliamentary Manager, Close the Gap;
• Eilidh Dickson, Policy and Parliamentary Manager, Engender;
• Professor Norin Arshed, Chair in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, School of Business, University of Dundee.

The Official Report can be found here.

On 14 December 2021 the Committee held a session focussing on the financial impact on women in protected groups and the impact on their mental health and wellbeing; to what extent they have suffered disproportionately when compared with women who do not fall into these groups; what support has been available, and what further measures are required as the country emerges from the pandemic. The Committee heard from—

• Satwat Rehman, Chief Executive Officer, One Parent Families Scotland;
• Catriona Melville, Policy Engagement and Campaigns Officer, Age Scotland;
• Margaret Lance, BEMIS and Ethnic Minority Resilience Network;
• Dr Patrycja Kupjec, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Scotland;
• Susie Fitton, Policy Manager, Inclusion.

The Official Report can be found here.

On 1 March 2022 the Committee held a session focussing on the impact on minority ethnic women, when it heard from—

• Farah Farzana, Race Equality Mainstreaming Officer, CEMVO Scotland
• Mariam Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Amina- the Muslim Women’s Resource Centre;
• Trishna Singh OBE, Director, Sikh Sanjog;
• Joy Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, AAI Employability;
• Sara Medel Jiménez, Member, NASUWT, Equality Advisory Group

The Official Report can be found here.

On 8 March 2022 the Committee held a session which focussed on the impact on disabled women, when it heard from—

• Jenny Miller, PAMIS, Promoting a more inclusive Scotland;
• Dr Pauline Nolan, Inclusion Scotland

The Official Report can be found here.