Chamber and committees

You mentioned that there is evidence from other places on that.

I want to ask you something that I asked the previous witnesses—I do not know whether you heard the question at the end of the earlier session. You spoke about poverty at different times in women’s lives. What about the cultural aspect and ethnic minority groups? How are they affected? Is there anything that you want to say about work in that area that needs to be enhanced? We heard that the poverty rate is around 51 per cent for ethnic minority groups. Is there any work that we should strengthen in that area? Do you have any advice for us?

Has Sara Cowan had that opportunity, too?

Good morning. I thank the witnesses for all the evidence that they have provided so far. My question leads on from the previous questions. Have the witnesses been given the opportunity to work with the Scottish Government on the improvements that the committee heard would strengthen the equality and fairer Scotland statement?

I have another question. I think that you have answered some of it, but you might want to add to it. Gender inequality is an issue that I take very seriously. Engender and Zero Tolerance have both expressed a need for a specific gender inequality outcome as part of the Scottish Government’s national outcomes. Can witnesses expand on where the current proposals fall short of supporting gender equality? I know that you have touched on some of that in previous answers but is there anything that you would like to add about where the outcomes fall short?

Good morning, committee. It is great to be back. I have no relevant interests to declare or any declaration to make.

Thank you.

I do not know whether Dr Hosie wants to say anything.

I have a supplementary question. The Scottish Women’s Budget Group has suggested that a gender budgeting approach should consider the lifetime impact of policy and spending decisions. To what extent does current data availability support that aspiration?

Good morning, and thank you for the information so far. Zero Tolerance and Engender have both suggested slight changes to the wording of the Scottish Government’s proposed new national outcomes. Zero Tolerance has suggested changing the equality and human rights outcome so that it includes “living free from violence”. Engender has suggested incorporating the current national performance framework’s aim of reducing inequalities into the new NPF’s purpose. Will you please expand on those proposals? Are any other witnesses in agreement with those suggestions? I will speak to Lewis Ryder-Jones afterwards, but it would be great if I could get views from both Catherines first.