THE SNP are taking to the streets today for a national day of campaigning that celebrates women and equality.

Events across the country include coffee mornings, street stalls, talks and fundraisers – all highlighting the part women play in society.

Party leader Nicola Sturgeon will speak in Parliament during an event organised by the Scottish Women’s Convention.

The First Minister said: “We have come so far, but we’ve still got long way to go. By coming together, by speaking up, by supporting each other and by believing that gender equality is both right and within our grasp, then we can achieve great things on these areas where we still need to press for progress. The SNP in government have taken a range of action to support and empower women. We’ve expanded childcare, taken action to improve gender representation on public boards and encouraged companies to take the same action. We’re tackling period poverty, helping to remove the barriers that many women face, and also giving women the opportunities they need to succeed and to fulfil their potential.

“But we must keep pressing on. We’ve been reminded in recent times of some of the challenges that women still face, whether that is from sexual harassment or behaviour that is unacceptable.

“Until we live in a country, indeed a world, where no woman is held back because of their gender, and every woman is able to fulfil her potential, we still have work to do.”