8 March 2016
To mark International Women’s Day, March 8, 2016, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has provided her voice to deliver a strong message to girls and women about gender equality.
Since becoming First Minister I have looked to use my position to send out positive and strong message to girls and women that there should be no limit to your ambition.
I want to challenge the status quo and set an ambitious agenda to make Scotland a fairer and more prosperous nation where opportunities are open to everyone and where everyone is able to contribute their talent, skill and commitment.
On Saturday the First Minister spoke at the Scottish Women’s Convention Annual International Women’s Day event at Parliament where she announced that over 200 young Pakistani women from poor backgrounds will have the chance of a university education, thanks to a £150,000 Scottish Government scholarship scheme.
Happy International Women's Day to women and girls all over the world. #PledgeForParity #IWD2016
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 8, 2016
She kickstarted a range of events on International Women’s Day by supporting #PledgeForParity campaign.
More and more women and girls are taking part in sport and that is encouraging but, like anything else, there’s always more we can do. As a woman who has worked hard to succeed in a male dominated arena, I know how hard it can be to gain an equal standing – but it can be done.
She then launched #ThisAyrshireGirlCan initiative that was set up by the Ayrshire College Student Association focussing on promoting, encouraging and supporting young girls into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and sport subjects.
A crowd has gathered @AyrshireColl after FM @NicolaSturgeon's #ThisAyrshireGirlCan speech. pic.twitter.com/9nx2j3GlpI
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 8, 2016
The First Minister spoke to a large audience made up from young girls from the local primary and secondary schools as well as students from Ayrshire College.
FM @NicolaSturgeon speaking to and meeting @AyrshireColl students at #ThisAyrshireGirlCan event. #IWD2016 pic.twitter.com/8OjDpw16f7
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) March 8, 2016
Ahead of speaking at the Scottish Women’s Aid conference, the First Minister has announced that the organisation will receive £190,000 to help women who have suffered violence or abuse at the hands of a partner get back into work.
The funding will allow Scottish Women’s Aid (SWA), in partnership with local domestic abuse services, to work directly with women to give them the opportunity to get back into the job market and ensure they receive vital support and guidance. You can read more about the fund here.
Here’s a selection of tweets from #ThisAyrshireGirlCan, which promotes women and young girls in STEM
IWD2016
