WOMEN in East Renfrewshire are being urged to get involved in politics.

The plea has been issued as part of the Scotland’s Women Stand initiative, which has been launched by an alliance of women’s organisations in a bid to tackle the gender imbalance in Scottish politics.

The Scottish Parliament plans to open up its Debating Chamber on Saturday, September 7, to more than 400 women for a day of action and inspiration.

Read More: Politicians learn that CPR can be the difference between life and death.

Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani MSP, who will chair the event, said: “This is a concerted day of action to support and inspire women to get involved in political life in Scotland.

“The event is for women up and down the country who have never thought about standing for political office, didn’t think it was for them and didn’t know they had the power to make a difference.

“This new programme seeks to shape the future of women in politics in Scotland and take the positive action we need to make the Parliament and politics generally more representative but, for it to be successful, we need women from all backgrounds to get involved.”

For more information about how to register for the event, visit www.scotwomenstand.org.

Read all the latest news from Barrhead and beyond.