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10 achievements, highlights and special moments of 2024

23 Dec 2024

Over the past 12 months, Children in Scotland staff have worked tirelessly to deliver essential support for the children's sector, bringing together members for networking opportunities, providing quality training on a range of topics, and working directly with children and young people to ensure their voices and views are heard.

As we prepare to wind down for a well-deserved festive break, here, we explore just a few of our 2024 highlights.

We launched an accessible new learning portal

Developed in partnership with The Open University (OU) in Scotland, we launched a new eLearning portal (click here for more) to help support practitioners across the children’s sector to learn new skills and expand their professional knowledge.

Offering a wide range of free courses, the portal has been curated to help meet practitioners’ learning needs, covering key areas such as education in the early years, additional support needs and mental health and wellbeing. Courses range from two to 24 hours, and thanks to the flexibility of distance learning, can be started, paused and restarted again at any time.

Click here to start exploring the new learning portal

A new report looked at the connection between live music and mental health 

The Live Music and Mental Health project, delivered by Children in Scotland, Scottish Ensemble and the University of Stirling between May and October 2023, explored the barriers children and young people face when engaging with live music – and in March this year, we published the findings from the project to inspire musicians, music providers and venues to develop new approaches.

David Mackay, Children in Scotland’s Head of Policy, Projects and Participation, said: “The Live Music and Mental Health project report and findings will be of interest to anyone working on co-design projects with children and young people, and are particularly relevant for the arts and culture and mental health professionals.”

Click here to read the full report

Our Annual Conference 2024 was a huge success

In May, Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference 2024 saw more than 450 delegates, speakers and exhibitors come together at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, for two days of insightful workshops, keynote speeches and networking sessions. From discussions around children’s rights and AI to a visit from Natalie Don MSP – who stopped to chat with Changing our World, our vibrant children and young people’s advisory group – the conference was one of our most successful to date!

Tickets are already available for our Annual Conference 2025, which will be held on 28 and 29 May in Glasgow – click here to find out more

Natalie Don MSP with CoW
Natalie Don MSP with CoW

Wellbeing was our top priority

Here at Children in Scotland, we believe the workplace should be a happy and supportive environment, and we have put a range of positive policies in place to ensure our staff thrive in their roles. As well as offering flexi-time and hybrid working, we introduced a new employee-led ‘wellbeing working group’ earlier this year to better understand how we can improve wellness at work. The group holds regular Tea & Talk drop-in session to discuss a range of issues, and in the coming year, will look to further developing our work-life balance policies.

Changing our World was celebrated at the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 

Our young people’s advisory group was recognised for the “extraordinary steps” it takes to advance the healthcare rights of children and young people at the Scottish Children’s Health Awards 2024, taking home the Healthcare Rights Award during a glittering awards ceremony. Children’s Health Scotland, the charity behind the Awards, said the judging panel recognised the importance of CoW being children-led, and praised the group for giving young people the opportunity to share their experiences and views.

Parisa Shirazi, Senior Policy, Projects and Participation Officer at Children in Scotland, who nominated CoW for the Healthcare Rights Award, said: “I see my job as providing support and structure for them to share their views in ways that work for them. I particularly enjoy seeing members grow in confidence in areas they initially would have felt more nervous about, such as public speaking and working with MSPs.”

We helped hundreds of professionals learn new skills

As part of our comprehensive Learning Programme, which includes in-person conferences and residentials, professional diplomas and online webinars, our amazing Learning & Events team hosted 30 external training events in 2024. From helping the sector better understand UNCRC incorporation to exploring executive function skills, our training covered a wide range of important topics.

Looking to learn in 2025? Between January and May, we have three in-person events and six online practice-sharing sessions available – click here to find out more

The Kiltwalk put us through our paces!

Led by our wonderful CEO Dr Judith Turbyne, our staff and supporters laced up their trainers for The Kiltwalk 2024, taking on the renowned Scottish challenge to raise vital funds to further the work we do with children and young people across Scotland. Completing  both the Dundee and Edinburgh walks, our team of walkers raised more than £2,000 – a massive thank you to everyone for their generous donations!

Children in Scotland CEO Judith Turbyne and her friend, Jen, at The Kiltwalk finish line
Children in Scotland CEO Judith Turbyne and her friend, Jen, at The Kiltwalk finish line

Our members came together online

In November, we launched a new LinkedIn group for Children in Scotland members, aiming to provide an online space where our vibrant membership community can converse, ask questions and share work with other individuals working in the sector. With more than 400 charities and third sector organisations in membership, we’re excited to see how the group grows in 2025!

Not joined yet? Click here to get involved

Pupil Support staff came together for our new learning programme

Developed in collaboration with children and young people with lived care experience, our new #KeepThePromise Pupil Support Staff learning programme was launched in November. Providing a platform to improve awareness and understanding of care experience and bring Pupil Support Staff together to network and share best practice, more events are planned for February and May, in addition to three free-to-access eLearning modules.

Click here to find out more

We started developing our next Manifesto with help from members

Our members bring a wealth of experience around supporting Scotland’s children, young people and families – so, when it came to updating our Manifesto, it only made sense to include their thoughts, feelings, aims and ambitions. At the end of this year, we began the process of developing our Manifesto for 2026 – 31 by hosting two online Voices Forum discussion sessions with our members, and we currently have an online survey where partners can contribute ideas.

You can still submit your views to the online until 23 December – click here to take part

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Primary pupils encouraged to submit jokes for the 2025 VoiceBox Competition

19 Dec 2024

A national joke telling competition for primary-aged children has opened for entries, offerings schools across Scotland a light-hearted and inclusive way for pupils to develop communication skills, confidence and self-esteem.

Developed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), the 2025 VoiceBox Competition has been designed to raise awareness of the importance of communication skills, as telling a joke involves everything from inference and strong receptive and expressive language to good auditory memory.

What’s more, preparing for the competition encourages pupils to consider language, audience suitability and delivery, alongside practicing intonation, conversational style and non-verbal communication, too.

Open for entries until 1 April 2025, all primary schools in Scotland are invited to nominate one joke, which can either come from an individual pupil who wants to take part, or through a joke-telling competition to find their best entry.

Up to 32 jokes will be selected – one finalist from each local authority area – and the shortlisted schools will be invited to the National Final in the Scottish Parliament on 5 June 2025, where they will tell their jokes in front of MSPs and a judging panel.

All finalists attending the National Final will receive £100 worth of HarperCollins books, and the pupils with the three best jokes will receive up to £100 to spend on toys, as well as up to £500 worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school.

To learn more and download the competition online toolkit, visit www.rcslt.org/scotland/voicebox

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Exploring UNCRC through a queer lens

10 Dec 2024

Held annually on 10 December, Human Rights Day (click here for more) celebrates the landmark document which recognises the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political opinion and nationality. 

Acknowledging the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives, the theme of this year's celebration is "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" – a timely topic here in Scotland given that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) has just been enshrined in Scot’s law.

Here, Alan Massie, Digital Youth Work Officer at LGBT Youth Scotland, shares details of a recent project to help young people understand the rights afforded to them through the historic legislation.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says that all young people have rights, regardless of where they are from or how they identify.

LGBT Youth Scotland is Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-25. We deliver life-changing youth work and enable young people to use their voice to create change. Our aim is to make Scotland a place where LGBTQ+ young people can flourish and thrive.

When UNCRC was enshrined in Scot’s law, it inspired me as a youth worker, and I started thinking about how I could support young people to better understand their rights.

I started a new project with a group of young people in the East of Scotland who are passionate about fairness. The group understood that all rights were universal and equal, however, they wanted to highlight the rights of LGBTQ+ people and look at each article through a queer lens.

They selected the rights that felt most relevant to their experience as LGBTQ+ young people in Scotland, and made posters that illustrated them.

Article 2: The right to non-discrimination

Shockingly, every young person in the group had experienced discrimination based on someone’s perception of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. They want to change that, and let young people know that the people around them are responsible for keeping them safe.

Article 12: The right to be listened to  

LGBTQ+ young people know how to use their voice, but they often don’t feel listened to – this is especially true for the trans and non-binary community. The group felt it was important that they conveyed all young people have the right not just to be heard, but also to be taken seriously.

LGBT-Youth-Scotland-poster-project

Article 19: The right to protection from violence, abuse and neglect

Young LGBTQ+ people often face abuse, harassment and violence for simply being true to themselves and existing. This has a real impact on mental health, and one young person in our Life in Scotland for LGBT young people (click here for more) research said: “I endured misgendering, verbal abuse and physical assaults from classmates. I felt incredibly alone, to the point where I began to self-harm for being this way.”The young people wanted to highlight that nobody should experience violence, abuse and/or neglect.

Article 28: The right to education

The young people were all aged 14-16 and they recognised that school didn’t always feel safe and inclusive. Despite all the improvement of recent years, the young people described their friends leaving school because of bullying and not feeling supported.

This experience is reflected across Scotland, and our Life in Scotland for LGBT Young People research found that only 10% of participants thought that their experience of school was “good”. We have to do better for our young people.

Working alongside the young people who participated was a joy! Hearing them talk about their rights as young LGBTQ+ people and the passion they felt about making sure other LGBTQ+ people were aware of their rights made it clear that this project was greatly needed.

Everyone can get involved in protecting LGBTQ+ young people, whether that is by challenging homophobia, biphobia or transphobia or advocating for a policy change in your workplace.

Find out more about rights and view the posters on LGBT Youth Scotland's website: lgbtyouth.org.uk/uncrc-know-your-rights

If you want to find out more about how to make your organisation, school or workplace accessible to LGBTQ+ young people, find out more about the LGBT Charter scheme: lgbtyouth.org.uk/lgbt-charter-home

About the Author

Alan Massie is Digital Youth Work Officer at LGBT Youth Scotland

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Children in Scotland welcomes Scottish Government decision to end the two-child benefit cap

5 Dec 2024

Children in Scotland has today welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to end the two-child benefit cap, describing the move as a positive step towards ending child poverty in Scotland.

Announcing the decision during the Scottish Budget, finance secretary Shona Robison said the “pernicious” cap on benefits will be scrapped in Scotland by 2026, helping to lift more than 15,000 children out of poverty.

Originally implemented by George Osborne in 2017, the UK-wide two-child limit currently restricts child tax credit and universal credit to the first two children in most households, disproportionally affecting low-income families.

The charity, which represents more than 400 member organisations working with and for children and young people, was also pleased to see a focus on education within the budget, as the Scottish Government outlined plans to bring breakfast clubs to more primary schools, expand free school meals to primary 6 and 7 children from low-income families, and also provide £120million to head teachers to address the poverty attainment gap.

Additionally, the proposed £29million fund for an Additional Support Needs (ASN) plan, which would provide training for more teachers, is another welcomed move.

Having been campaigning for the two-child limit to be scrapped for many years, particularly through its work with the End Child Poverty Coalition (click here for more), Children in Scotland now wants to work closely with the Scottish Government to further tackle the wealth inequalities impacting an estimated one in four children on a day-to-day basis.

Children in Scotland Chief Executive Dr Judith Turbyne said: “It’s really positive news from the Scottish Government that they are committed to scrapping the two-child benefit cap. We also welcome the renewed commitment to combating child poverty.

“Now is the time to put children’s rights at the centre of our child poverty work, and we look forward to engaging with the Scottish Government on how to do things differently so that we can really deliver on that promise.”

Case study: How poverty impacts children and young people

Since Highland Action for Little Ones (Halo) launched in January 2023, it has supported more than 2,000 children, providing essential resources such as clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other basic essentials that are often taken for granted.

Mel Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at the charity, has witnessed first-hand the resilience shown by families.

She said: "The impact of poverty on children is profound and far-reaching. At Halo, we see this every day – families struggling to make ends meet, often working multiple jobs while balancing childcare, but still finding it difficult to meet their children’s basic needs.

“The rising cost of food, energy, housing, and childcare has placed an unbearable strain on household budgets, forcing families to make heartbreaking choices between essentials like heating or feeding their children. No family should have to face these choices, and no child should grow up without access to the basic necessities of life.

"The number of referrals we receive each week is growing steadily, and is a clear reflection of the increasing financial pressures families are facing. The need for items like clothing and shoes has skyrocketed. These are not luxury items – they are fundamental to a child’s health, self-esteem, and ability to engage in school and social activities.

"The rapid growth in demand speaks volumes about the increasing number of families struggling. Each referral tells a story of a family doing their best but still falling short in the face of rising living costs."

Click here to find out more about the work of Highland Action for Little Ones

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Making Sense of Scotland – a creative approach to engaging young people with their heritage

28 Nov 2024

Did you know that Scottish residents can visit selected Historic Scotland properties for free on the first Sunday of each month up until March 2025? The Historic Sundays initiative is particularly aimed at encouraging those who have never visited a site before, whether due to perceived cost or feeling heritage may not be for them, with the opportunity to visit a historic site for free and experience all of the wellbeing benefits that engaging with the historic environment provides.

Here, Craig Fletcher, Head of Learning and Inclusion at Historic Environment Scotland, shares why it's so important to engage our children and young people with Scotland's historic heritage.

Scotland’s historic environment is all around us. It connects the physical evidence of human activity such as buildings, landscapes and artefacts with the events and stories associated with them and the records that reveal how it has changed over time.

Wherever you live in Scotland, you have access to the local historic environment. This could be a church or castle, standing stones, a changing high street, objects in your local museum, photographs in your local gallery or archives in your local library, your home or even your school.

Viewed as a rich national learning resource, it can be used to support a wide range of initiatives for children and young people including education, developing skills for life and work and wellbeing. As a source of inspiration, it is an inspiring and varied medium for project work and supporting creativity. Many historic sites sit within rich natural environments providing opportunities for exploration, discovery, outdoor and play based learning.

It provides access to our shared culture and heritage. For example:

  • Visiting a historic site lets young people experience the places where events in history really happened.
  • Having a go at a traditional skill provides hands-on experience of how buildings were built and are conserved.
  • Investigating archives can help in understanding how places and people have changed over time.

But it’s about much more than history. Places, objects, stories and records can provide creative inspiration, unique experiences and multi-sensory environments to support all types of subjects, themes, programmes and outcomes. Getting our children and young people inspired by Scotland’s past helps them learn more about themselves. It’s about making sense of the world and making sense of Scotland.

Outdoor learning – investigating a historic site (Kinneil House)
Outdoor learning – investigating a historic site (Kinneil House)

As the lead organisation for Scotland's historic environment, we are dedicated to promoting inclusive access and engagement. This includes collaborating with education, youth work, and other organisations that support children and young people. This includes:

Engaging a broader and more diverse group of young people supports Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) strategic goal of 'Heritage for All' and enhances the social and cultural value of Scotland's historic environment.

Our new Making Sense of Scotland (click here for more) framework for outreach and learning outlines how we aim to make Scotland's historic environment a treasured resource for learners of all ages and abilities and build positive relationships with our future visitors, workers, and decision-makers.

HES offers additional direct support to young people and families through admission discounts. Young Scot card holders can get £1 entry to all of our ticketed sites, year-round, at historyawaits.scot

Additionally, Scottish residents have the opportunity to access Historic Scotland winter ticketed properties for free on the first Sunday of each month up until March 2025 – visit historicsundays.scot for tickets.

To find out more about what resources are available, how to book a learning visit, or just to find some inspiration, head to historicenvironment.scot/learn

About the Author

Craig Fletcher is Head of Learning and Inclusion at Historic Environment Scotland

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Issue 4 of Insight magazine now available for non-members

15 Nov 2024

As part of our commitment to supporting professionals and practitioners across the children’s sector, we regularly open access to previous editions of our member magazine, Insight – and, today, non-members can now read the digital edition of Issue 4.

Originally published in April 2023, the fourth edition of Insight is filled with articles, profiles, interviews and features, and boasts an extended Changemakers section which includes an interview between our children and young people’s advisory group, Changing our World, and former Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Bruce Adamson.

What's more, in the magazine's lead four-page interview, Dr Khadija Mohammed, Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of the West of Scotland, talks about the importance of embedding a meaningful understanding of racism across the school curriculum and beyond.

The Scottish Government website states that its Anti-Racism in Education Programme was established in response to the significant amount of correspondence received by the Deputy First Minister as part of the Black Lives Matter movement in the spring of 2020, and to one of the recommendations of the COVID-19 Ethnicity Expert Group.

A stakeholder group was set up during the pandemic, and in October 2022, a formalised board was established, chaired by Dr Mohammed. For Dr Mohammed, like many anti-racist educators and activists, this work was not new, nor was it a passing moment.

In 2013, she co-founded the Scottish Association of Minority Ethnic Educators to provide a strong voice for social and professional communities and to engage in critical dialogue. In her role at the University of the West of Scotland, she has been steadily working to ensure that the next generation of teachers and early years practitioners are supported to become anti-racist educators.

And now, she is determined to ensure the momentum is sustained so that the national focus on anti-racism can spark a transformation which enables children and young people across Scotland to have an education that represents the diverse past and present of our world, and challenges all of us to create a more socially just future.

To read the full interview with Dr Mohammed, click the link below, where you'll also find:

  • A discussion about levelling the playing field in the performing arts with theatre-maker Rachel-Jane Morrison
  • Amy Woodhouse on the complicated legacy of Nicola Sturgeon and her record on improving the lives of children and families
  • Dr Alison Scott exploring approaches to supporting mothers whose children have been removed into care
  • And Raza Sadiq's comment piece on the Illegal Migration Bill which he describes as an assault on human rights.

Insight Issue 4 is now available, click here to read

Are you a Children in Scotland member? Click here to access the latest edition of Insight, only available for members (log in required)

 

Insight Issue 4

Read the fourth digital edition of our vibrant member magazine

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Holyrood Committee calls on the Scottish Government to prioritise three-year-funding cycles for the third sector

13 Nov 2024

A new pre-Budget report by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has highlighted the growing financial concerns currently faced by many third sector organisations, and has called on the Scottish Government to prioritise longer-term funding models to create more stability and better use of resources across the sector. 

Bringing together evidence and expertise from charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations, including Children in Scotland, the Committee’s Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Third sector funding principles report, published on 13 November, said that prioritising three-year-funding and including provisions for inflation-based adjustments in the next Budget would be vital for addressing the significant challenges impacting Scotland’s third sector.  

As outlined in the report, the third sector has seen a decrease in Scottish Government funding, with £21.1 million allocated in the 2024-25 year budget compared to £21.2 million in 2023-24 – marking a 0.5% cash decrease and 2.1% real terms reduction during a time of high demand for services. 

Recognising the critical role the third sector plays in supporting Scottish society, the report said fair and efficient funding could contribute to its continued effectiveness, as witnesses to the Committee raised concerns about inconsistency, complexity, and a lack of transparency in the application process for funding. 

What’s more, the Committee’s report recognised that short-term funding cycles also divert significant amounts of time and resources away from the delivery of services, which was raised as particularly concerning for organisations working to address long-term, complex social issues, such as poverty, youth engagement, and social care. 

 Short-term funding, it outlined, not only prevents organisations from engaging in meaningful, long-term strategic planning but impacts on service delivery, which is key to the implementation of Scottish Government policy. 

Representing 450 charities, statutory bodies, organisations, and individual professionals across Scotland, Children in Scotland CEO Judith Turbyne gave evidence to the Committee and backed widespread calls for a multi-year funding approach to address issues ranging from staff turnover to financial instability.

Commenting on the report, Judith Turbyne said: “As a membership organisation representing a wide range of third sector voices, Children in Scotland was really pleased to be involved the Social Justice and Social Security Committee’s inquiry, which made space for positive and important discussions about our future.  

“Between the cost-of-living crisis and inflation, the third sector is facing a multitude of challenges, and many organisations are struggling to meet demand as children, young people and families face their own financial struggles. This report sends a clear and concise message – third sector funding needs to be urgently reviewed to ensure that we can continue to support those most in need across our society.  

“The Scottish Government needs to tackle this issue head on, and the third sector needs to see proactive action in the forthcoming budget. Without an urgent rethink of funding, focusing on longer-term models of three to five years, many vital third sector organisations will simply not survive the current economic climate.” 

Bob Doris MSP, Deputy Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said: “The Scottish Government has a commitment to provide fair funding for the essential work done by Scotland’s charity sector. We make it clear in our report that this commitment should be recognised in the upcoming budget, so that the sector’s vital work can be safeguarded. We call on the Government to prioritise strengthening its approach to multi-year funding and improving its processes. 

“Whilst we acknowledge the Scottish Government's ability to agree to multi-year funding when it does not know what funding it will receive from the UK Government for subsequent years, our committee has made practical suggestions to overcome these challenges. 

 “We believe that implementing the straightforward measures outlined in our report, including multi-year funding, could positively impact the effectiveness of a sector that does so much to help so many.” 

Click here to access the full Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Third sector funding principles report

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Wellbeing in the workplace – can training help promote self-care?

7 Nov 2024

In both our professional and personal lives, we spend a lot of time thinking about and caring for others – so much so, it can be hard to prioritise our own wellbeing.

Here at Children in Scotland, we believe that in order to care for others, we must start by taking care of ourselves and, to practice what we preach, we recently held an all staff training day that focused on ways to improve self-care.

Led by expert therapist Jan Montgomery – who is set to host another of her popular 'person-centred planning' sessions with us in January – the training looked at ways to encourage positive mental health in the workplace, using hands-on activities and group exercises.

From the benefits of journaling to drawing your own labyrinth map, here’s what Children in Scotland staff took away from Jan’s workshop.

1. The importance of 'me time'

“I already knew lots of things that are good for creating positive mental health, but I don’t always prioritise 'me time'. After Jan’s session, I realised I had to make more time every day to do something I love and I know is good for me. Things like walking on the beach with the dog, not spending hours scrolling on my phone at bedtime, and enjoying the beauty in everyday things. Oh, and accepting compliments and being thankful for them!” – Jemma

2. Building boundaries

“Jan’s delivery approach is thought-provoking and interactive, but also incredibly sensitive. Jan has helped me to reflect on the importance of creating not only professional boundaries, but boundaries in my personal life as well that support my mental health. I loved how solution-focused and positive Jan’s approach is. The training session helped me reframe my thinking through her many brilliant practical ideas and activities.” – Lizz

3. Finding time for small activities every day

“Jan has such a calming presence. Sometimes, finding the time for self-care feels like yet another thing to add to my to-do list, but Jan provided so many simple yet effective suggestions that I can now try every day – from journaling to drawing my own labyrinth.” – Alice

4. Caring for each other

“It feels as if the workshop offered different things to different people throughout the day. For me, it is so important for us to be able to come together as an organisation and think about how we can care for ourselves and therefore better care for others.” – Judith

5. Simple pleasures

“It might sound silly but I really appreciated receiving positive ‘endorsement’ from Jan that simple pleasures like a good walk, getting some time in the sun or bathing in birdsong aren’t only enjoyable but of critical importance to my wellbeing. Jan gently encourages us to discover our best, happiest selves.” – Angus

Join Jan Montgomery on her upcoming training session, Person-centred planning: helping children determine their own futures (click here for more), which explores brain development, functions and emotional regulation, and how these link to goal attainment, and shares practical tools to support young people with their goals, as well as your own professional development.

Learn with us online and in-person

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Fife Gingerbread launches annual Heat and Eat Appeal

25 Oct 2024

Fife Gingerbread has launched its annual Heat and Eat Appeal, which helps support vulnerable families to build safe, warm and healthy homes.

Running since 2018, every penny raised through the Appeal goes directly to families in crisis, providing critical support for everything from the cost of energy bills to ingredients for healthy meals – and due to the cost of living crisis, the voluntary sector organisation says donations have never been more vital.

However, the Appeal doesn’t just provide temporary relief. As well as giving families special ‘festive packages’ at this time of year – including toys, food, vouchers and fuel – the charity also offers year-round support, helping to create lasting change, and giving children and young people the opportunity to flourish and feel connected to their local community.

Thanks to generous donations, last year’s Appeal provided a festive package to more than 165 families, ensuring 313 children and young people had a safe and warm Christmas, while an additional 142 households received crisis support throughout the year.

Ffe Gingerbread Heat and Heat Appeal 2024

In Fife, research shows 23% of children and young people grow up facing poverty, while a recent survey of Fife Gingerbread’s supported families found that 74% of respondents are surviving below low-income thresholds, with the statistic rising for lone-parent households.

The charity says donations to the Heat and Eat Appeal could mean the difference between a child going to bed cold or feeling the warmth of a heated home, and all contributions, whether big or small, help support their work.

To make a donation to the Heat and Eat Appeal 2024, visit justgiving.com/campaign/heatandeat2024 

To find out more about the charity's work, visit fifegingerbread.org.uk

Fife Gingerbread

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Girls’ rights are human rights

24 Oct 2024

Designed to protect and advance human rights, United Nations conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) are a vital part of helping countries around the world build a more equal, inclusive and free society for all.

However, while championing and celebrating such landmark legislations, it's also important to examine the areas where they can still be improved. 

Here, Katie Horsburgh, Policy and Practice Officer: Children and Young People at Zero Tolerance, explores why a gender-neutral approach in legislation means girls are falling between the cracks and not having their rights fully realised.

At the heart of Scotland’s landmark decision to incorporate the UNCRC (click here for more) into Scots law is the belief that all children deserve to have their human rights realised and respected.

However, despite the Government’s commendable investment in children’s rights as a whole, research and evidence shows that girls are still not accessing their rights equally.

Girls can face significant challenges in realising their rights – especially when they are affected by further structural inequalities such as racism, poverty, ableism, homophobia, and transphobia – and if we want to make Scotland the best place in the world for all children togrow up, we must avoid a gender-neutral approach, instead addressing girls’ specific needs and experiences, while tackling the discriminations they face on a daily basis.

UNCRC becoming law in Scotland is a really exciting moment, but as a gender-neutral convention, it inadvertently prioritises the rights of boys and the issues that predominantly affect them. By talking about children as a homogenous group, girls continue to get left behind.

Similarly, the CEDAW convention – part of the proposed Human Rights Bill – only mentions girls in related to education, despite violence and harassment affecting women of all ages. Girls experience extremely high levels of domestic abuse, sexual assault, rape, and stalking, and according to Scottish Government figures, one in three 13 to 17-year-olds have experienced some form of sexual violence. So why have girls’ needs been left out of this legislation?

By not doing enough to address the rights of girls and young women specifically, we are leaving them to fall between the cracks in legislation that should be designed to ensure they grow up safe and supported – something which Zero Tolerance explored in detail throughour recent report, 'Girls’ rights are human rights' (click here for more).

Documenting research and exploring different pools of evidence from many fantastic organisations working directly with girls and young women, the report outlines thesubstantial barriers that prevent girls from realising their rights, and argues that emerging and evolving legislation, policy and practice are doing little to address the negative and often harmful experiences of girls.

Given the fact that human rights are a helpful measure of equality or inequality, providing a framework for improvement and a way to focus our efforts, it makes sense that we should create a link between the two.

We need to further explore ways to understand girls’ rights as human rights.

At Zero Tolerance, our focus is on tackling the root cause of gender equality, eradicating men’s violence against women and girls. To do this, we need to create the right environments and cultures that will allow children and young people to grow and develop equally, and thatstarts with gender-sensitive approaches and considerations.

Our message for anyone working on children’s rights in Scotland – and on women’s rights, too – is to explicitly name girls’ specific requirements when doing human rights work. By doing this, we can create a Scotland where all girls can thrive. 

This excerpt was taken from Issue 6 of Insight, the bi-annual publication for Children in Scotland members.

To read the full interview, you'll need a digital subscription, which costs just £10 per year and provides access to two issues. For more information, contact Alice Hinds: ahinds@childreninscotland.org.uk

Already a member? Click here to read Insight Issue 6

Zero Tolerance

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