EOC investigates minority ethnic women work issues
4 Oct 05
Figures show unemployment rate for minority ethnic women almost double that of white women
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Scotland is to launch a special investigation into discrimination against black and minority ethnic women in the workplace.
Figures from the 2001 census revealed that the unemployment rate for minority ethnic women is almost double that for white females.
John Wilkes, the EOC Scotland director, said the organisation wanted to find out more about what kind of discrimination black and minority ethnic women faced. The investigation will focus paricularly on Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Indian and mixed race women.
The census disclosed that 32 per cent of minority ethnic women are in work, compared to 53 per cent of white women. EOC research has also shown that those women who are working also face serious difficulties when trying to progress their careeers.
The report is scheduled to be completed by next June, when the EOC will make recommendations to the Scottish and UK parliaments.