Nicola Sturgeon backs Girlguiding campaign after survey shows young girls put off politics due to sexist coverage

THE FIRST MINISTER has backed a campaign calling for action after a study found sexist coverage risks putting girls off politics.

A Girlguiding study found two-fifths (41%) of girls age nine to 16 across the UK think there has been a rise in media sexism in the last six months.

More than a third (39%) said this had knocked their confidence and warned it risks putting them off politics.

Around two-thirds (62%) said sexist coverage negatively effects young people’s views of girls and young women.

Following the Daily Mail’s “Legs-it” headline comparing Nicola Sturgeon and Theresa May’s legs, Girlguiding Scotland is calling for the media to focus on “opinions not pins” and stop discussing politicians’ appearances.

The charity also wants to ensure young women are included in debates and their views are represented in political coverage.

Ms Sturgeon is backing the campaign and said the figures should be a “wake-up call” for all parties and those covering politics.

She said: “It is unacceptable that women and girls continue to face sexist attitudes that are putting them off playing a full role in our society and it is incumbent on all of us to work to change that.

“That doesn’t just mean an end to sexist attitudes but an end to the focus on appearances and family life and to the macho- aggressive language that is used far too often in politics.

“I want to see as many young women and girls involved in politics as possible and as First Minister I know I have a responsibility to lead by example.

“I want to send a strong message to all girls and young women in Scotland – that if you work hard, the sky is the limit, and there should be no platform off limits to any young girl.”

Scottish Labour inequalities spokeswoman Monica Lennon is also supporting the campaign, as is Talat Yaqoob, chair of the Women 50:50 campaign for equal representation.

Ms Lennon said: “From media coverage which is more concerned about a woman’s shoes than her ideas and accomplishments, to abuse over social media – it’s no wonder that so many girls and young women are reporting they might think twice about using their voice or taking the lead in political conversations.

“It’s concerning to learn that sexist coverage of female leaders is sending girls the message that their views won’t be taken seriously and potentially putting a generation of girls off politics.”

Girlguiding surveyed a total of 1,147 people across the UK during February and March.