Scottish Labour will ensure that at least 50per cent of public board members in Scotland are women if it wins the next election, the party has announced.
The party said it will use the new powers coming to Scotland to guarantee gender equality on the boards of public bodies.
A Scottish Government report last year said that just 35per cent of public board members in Scotland are women, although they make up more than 50per cent of the population.
The new powers being devolved to Scotland through the Smith Agreement give the Scottish Parliament the ability to legislate for gender equality on the boards of Scotland's public bodies, the party said.
Speaking at the Scottish Women's Convention in Glasgow today, Scottish Labour's deputy leader Kezia Dugdale will announce that if Scottish Labour is elected in 2016 the party will pass a law to ensure that at least 50per cent of public board members in Scotland are women.
She will say: "The next Scottish Labour government will use the exciting new powers coming to Scotland to delivery equality for women in law.
"The institutions that have so much influence over Scottish public life should reflect the country at large.
"With so few women on the boards of Scotland's public bodies today they don't represent the communities they seek to serve. That needs to change and Scottish Labour will make that happen.
"Scottish Labour has a proud record on women's rights. From leading the way on all-women shortlists to the Equality Act, we have a history of advancing the cause of Scottish women. But we cannot rest until there is full equality.
"Until every girl or young woman in Scotland can enter any profession without thinking her gender will act as a barrier, we will still have work to do.
"There is so much gender inequality in Scottish society. Scotland deserves better."
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