National Farmers' Union of Scotland : 06 January 17 - Union Seeks Views from Members on Women in NFUS

Article date:

06 January 2017

News Article Number:

01/17

Survey launched as part of union's wider work on women in agriculture

NFU Scotland is seeking views from its membership about engaging women in union work and the perceived barriers for those who wish to get involved.

The survey, launched on 5 January ties in with the Union's wider work on encouraging more women to get involved at all levels - from grassroots to a Board level. And it is hoped that through the responses, the Union can seek to address any issues that women are experiencing when trying to do this.

The survey, open to NFU Scotland members, will run from 5 January to 13 February, and can be filled out by visiting http://bit.ly/2jeKJ0r

Gemma Cooper, Policy Manager for NFU Scotland commented: 'NFU Scotland has been involved in the industry-wide working group which has been organising events for the last few years.

'In addition to this, we have been considering internally what the reasons may be for an apparently lower level of woman engaging with the Union than men and as a result of this, NFU Scotland is now seeking to obtain views directly from its membership.

'I would urge as many members as possible to complete this survey as we are reliant on this to give us a steer on how best to proceed, and we are very keen that this is a membership-led initiative. This is a unique opportunity for woman to make their views heard and make a real difference.

'NFU Scotland has faced criticism for the perception of a lack of woman engaging with the Union and its structures in recent years, and we know that agriculture is traditionally a male-dominated industry.

'We cannot deny that in this day and age the public perception of an all-male Board of Directors and Presidential team is something which some argue is no longer acceptable.

'What some may be surprised to hear is that in reality we actually have 25 women who hold positions on regional boards and head office committees, who help to formulate NFUS policy and thus they are undoubtedly playing a vital role in the direction of the Union. In addition to this we also have 39 women in our head office staff and group secretary network.

'NFUS will be holding a drop-in session on women in agriculture at its Conference on 6 and 7 February, where any member who wishes to discuss this subject is welcome to drop in to speak to us directly. In addition to this, I would urge any female members who want to make their views known to contact either regional staff or head office.'

Notes to Editors

• The Women in NFUS survey will be run from 4 January to 10 February and members of NFU Scotland can complete the survey by visiting http://bit.ly/2jeKJ0r. For more information contact [e-mail] or call 0131 472 4018.

Ends

Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108