MSP wants action to educate boys to tackle misogyny

Pauline McNeill wants the Scottish Government to roll out a programme aimed at boys across the country.

The Labour MSP said education was the key.

READ NEXT:Housing Association hits back over MSP's takeover claims

She said: “Misogyny is unfortunately still rife in many of our schools and many young women still report sexual harassment at school at an alarming level.

“Scottish Labour’s consultation on violence against women and girls found that developing education resources on gender-based violence for all boys and young men in Scotland should be a key priority if we are to effectively tackle violence against women and girls.”

She asked Jenny Gilruth the Education Secretary: “Will the Scottish Government commit to introducing bespoke workshops that specifically teach boys and young men about healthy relationships and interactions with girls and young women and will they consider rolling them across the whole curriculum?”

READ NEXT: Concerns raised over housing association takeover bid

Gilruth welcomed the idea and said it would be considered.

She said: “I think the proposal is an interesting one. I commit to working with her on this matter, recognising that support in our schools I think will be needed on the front line to tackle some of the  challenges we see borne out in the research but it doesn’t just affect female pupils but teachers as well.”

McNeill had asked in the Scottish Parliament what work the government is doing in schools to educate boys to prevent violence against women and girls.

Gilruth said she was concerned by recent research that showed there was an increase in harassment and abuse in schools.

She added: “The government will shortly publish a national framework for schools on responding to and preventing gender-based violence.

“This will help to ensure consistent messages on sexual harassment and gender-based violence for everyone working with children and young people.”