A REPORT on approaches to implementing equality commitments in agricultural businesses has been published.
The report explores the success and impact of gender equality initiatives in other male-dominated industries and identifies useful learning for agriculture.
It also examines effective ways of bringing about greater gender equality within Scottish agricultural businesses.
Key findings in the report include:
- Agricultural businesses should improve their knowledge and understanding of equalities issues.
- Industry-based organisations and the Scottish Government should work together to increase awareness, support and networking in agriculture and help agricultural businesses to access expertise and guidance.
- Individuals should adopt a view that equality is everyone’s business and engage with their employers in advancing equality outcomes.
- Businesses should ensure that gender equality is embedded in the formal and informal values of the business, rather than focusing on standalone initiatives.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I welcome the publication of this report.
“Women have always played a vital role in delivering a successful agriculture sector.
“Their role in agricultural businesses of all sizes is increasingly important, especially as farming businesses continue to diversify and meet the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
“However it is clear that there remains a lot of work to be done and this report outlines effective ways of bringing about greater gender equality within Scottish agricultural businesses and organisations with paid employees.
“I would encourage agricultural business to draw on the examples in this report and play their role in bringing about gender parity in the workplace.” The report can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3ScHOkY
