WELFARE reform, childcare, zero hours contracts, health and transport are all top of the agenda in the Scottish Women’s Convention (SWC) manifesto being revealed today (March 5) at a special event in the parliament.

The hard-hitting manifesto is calling on those standing for the Scottish Parliament elections in May to consider key priority areas for women.

The document will be handed out to 380 women from throughout Scotland attending the SWC event at the Scottish Parliament today to celebrate International Women’s Day, to encourage women to ask questions of the nominees during the election process.

The theme this year is “Women’s Votes, Women’s Voices” with speakers including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; Cuban Ambassador to the UK, Teresita Vicente; actress Kirstie Steele; Edwina Hart, minister for economy, science and transport at the Welsh Government and Dr Marsha Scott, chief executive of Scottish Women’s Aid.

SWC chairwoman Agnes Tolmie said: “Women are the cornerstone of most communities in Scotland, yet their voices are often unheard.

“We will work with grassroots women to ensure that this election represents their issues, views and concerns.

“It is also vital that women use their vote. It is a powerful tool.

“Women, especially young women, have a role to play in ensuring that the next generation of decision makers respect their contribution, both economically and socially, to Scotland’s future.”

SWC is funded to consult with women in local communities throughout Scotland to ensure that their views, issues and concerns are heard by key decision makers through roadshows, roundtables, conferences and events.

Ms Tolmie said that while women account for more than half of the population in Scotland, their experiences, opinions and ideas are often overlooked.

She added: “Despite a number of positive efforts across the political spectrum, women continue to face barriers and discrimination.

“Issues that confront women on a daily basis cannot be tackled unless policy and decision makers listen to, and take into account, women’s views, experiences and ideas.

“The SWC facilitates events which bring women together throughout Scotland, to discuss issues such as childcare, education, employment, health, transport, and taxation. Women want to see change, have their voices heard and politicians to act.”

Deputy Presiding Officer Elaine Smith MSP, who will chair the event, said it was right that Scotland celebrates what women can do and have done.

She said: “There are more women decision makers than ever before but we remain under-represented in too many areas.

“The Scottish Parliament is proud to host this International Women’s Day celebration, which every year allows us to bear witness to an exchange of inspirational stories of women’s achievements.”

From women’s suffrage to equal parenting and representation in politics, International Women’s Day (IWD) has celebrated the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women for more than 100 years.

The day is observed on March 8 and is about celebration, reflection, advocacy and action, both locally and at a global level.

This year’s theme is “Pledge for Parity”, as progress towards gender parity has slowed in many places.

Organisers are asking supporters to #PledgeForParity to take a concrete step to help achieve gender parity more quickly – whether to help girls achieve their ambitions, call for gender-balanced leadership, end workplace bias or develop a more inclusive culture.

Scottish Women in Sport (SWIS) founder Maureen McGonnigle said: “This year’s theme will help to raise awareness of the many issues still facing women involved in all areas of sport and the need for an equal playing field.

“This theme reaches out to all, men and women, and asks for their support.”