THE majority of girls and young women feel they are treated differently because of their gender, according to a survey. 

More than 75 per cent of girls and young women in Scotland, including many in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, feel they are being discriminated against.

The poll also revealed worries about access to career opportunities and balancing work with family life.

Girlguiding Scotland’s research shows 15 per cent of the respondents felt unhappy most of the time.

Louise Macdonald, chairwoman of the First Minister’s advisory council on women and girls, said: “It is shocking nearly eight in 10 girls in Scotland say they experience gender inequality, that nearly one in two girls feel they would have more freedom if they were a boy and that 45 per cent of girls say becoming a leader will be harder because they are female.

“I hope these findings will challenge everyone with a stake in girls’ lives to play their part in delivering an equal future for girls.”

High expectations were expressed for equal treatment at home and in the workplace - with 86 per cent saying they anticipate splitting childcare and housework equally with their partner. Eight in 10 said they would not work for an employer who pays female employees less than males.

Hannah Brisbane, Girlguiding Scotland’s lead volunteer for voice, said: “We want to create a future where girls know the only limit on what they can achieve is their imagination.”