6 February 2018

Tuesday, 6 February marks 100 years of women’s right to vote in the UK.

The First Minister has led a debate in the Scottish Parliament, to celebrate the centenary and to highlight the need to further advance women’s representation in all aspects of Scottish society.

Ahead of centenary this Tuesday of woman’s right to vote in UK, FM @NicolaSturgeon highlights need to further advance women’s representation – in all aspects of Scottish society https://t.co/cNM3yqg8Ca

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) February 4, 2018

On this occasion, she also announced a new £500,000 fund for grassroots and local projects to empower more women into politics.

Today's is the centenary of when women in UK secured right to vote. FM @NicolaSturgeon announces £500k fund for grassroots projects to empower more women into politics & improve female representation at all levels. #Suffragette100 #100years https://t.co/7v11m849QZ

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) February 6, 2018

This was once the site of Calton Jail where many Suffragettes were imprisoned. Today, it is the seat of @ScotGov and the Suffragette flag is flying high. Thank you to all the women who fought for our right to vote – and enabled a woman to occupy the office of FM. #vote100 pic.twitter.com/efmGJ0VGqu

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 6, 2018

The First Minister said:

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of women securing the right to vote is a great occasion. Not only does it remind us of women’s achievements – it is also a time to inject new momentum into increasing women’s political representation and supporting their contribution to Scottish political and public life.

“By supporting community initiatives and women-empowerment projects, we are making an important step towards securing that future.

“This funding will ensure we pay tribute to the women who fought for the rights that women have today, as well as playing a part in encouraging the next generation of women leaders.”

For our grandmothers and great grandmothers & all they achieved! #Vote100 pic.twitter.com/7rzwSgmSAo

— Roseanna Cunningham (@strathearnrose) February 6, 2018

“All of us have not just an obligation, but also a huge opportunity to make much greater progress towards true gender equality. It is an opportunity we must all work together to seize.” – FM @NicolaSturgeon #vote100 pic.twitter.com/mkg45U22eO

— Scot Gov Fairer (@ScotGovFairer) February 6, 2018

Read the full speech here.

First Minister @NicolaSturgeon leads @ScotParl debate to mark the centenary of women's suffrage and to highlight the need to further advance women’s representation in Scottish society – Full speech: https://t.co/2VYKstbe2K #Vote100 #Suffragette100 #Suffrage100

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) February 6, 2018