Three manifesto priorities for the 2026 Scottish Parliament election

Close the Gap has published its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. We call for political parties to commit to action in three priority areas which are critical to women’s labour market equality:

1. Build an economy that works for all women, including those who are most marginalised such as racially minoritised women, disabled women, young mothers and single parents.
2. Reform the Scottish-specific duties of the public sector equality duty to ensure that the public sector leads the way on advancing women’s equality at work.
3. Deliver a childcare system that centres gender equality and puts choice for all at the heart of provision.

Over time, we have seen some progress on women and work. But we also know that progress is fragile, as shown by Covid which resulted in a rolling back of women’s equality, and the cost of living crisis which hit women hardest. Globally we are seeing a backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion. Scotland is not immune to this, with rising misogyny, racism and right-wing activism threatening women’s equality and rights. In this volatile political context, it is imperative that political parties prioritise gender equality and make sure that tackling women’s poverty and inequality is centred in policy ambitions.

Our manifesto sets out 11 key asks which will make meaningful change for women in Scotland, including:

• Design and deliver targeted employability support for disabled women that is accessible, flexible, appropriate to skill level, and proactively challenges occupational segregation.
• Commit to using sectoral bargaining to improve and set pay, terms and conditions in the social care sector in 2026.
• Require public bodies to develop and report on gender pay gap action plans.
• Use state wage-setting powers to increase the pay of all childcare workers to the Real Living Wage, with a more ambitious target set thereafter.

Now is the time for parties to commit to a progressive agenda which ensures that the inequalities that shape the lives of women will be tackled. Our calls are informed by evidence of what will make a difference for women.  The next Scottish Government must act decisively to turn evidence into action, ensuring that women’s equality is protected, progressed, and central to building a fairer Scotland for everyone.

Read the full manifesto here.