New Gender Equality Forum

The West Lothian Community Planning Partnership has developed a Gender Equality Forum

The new forum has been developed as part of the council?s duty under the Equality Act 2010 to promote gender equality and to build a more equal society by supporting and aiding the promotion of equality in employment and service provision.

The forum will act as a platform for consultation and engagement with the public, private and voluntary sectors within West Lothian, promoting the interests of men and women and raising gender issues and generating action where appropriate.

Council Leader Peter Johnston said: "Addressing discrimination and promoting equality is everyone?s business.  This new forum will provide an excellent chance for the local community to be involved in the development of policies and procedures affecting equality of opportunity."

As with the existing Disability and Race Equality Forums, the Gender Equality Forum is an independent body that sits within the umbrella of the Community Planning Partnership.

No specialised knowledge or experience is required to be a member of the forum. The group is open to anyone who lives, works or does business in West Lothian: men, women, boys and girls.

Training on a variety of relevant issues will be provided to all members of the group in order to ensure a shared and consistent gendered approach.

A first meeting will take place on the 31 March 2011 at 6pm at West Lothian Civic Centre, Livingston.

To sign up to the forum or for more information please contact Miranda Pio, email: miranda.pio@westlothian.gov.uk  or telephone: 01506 281075.