Fife Council has been urged to break down barriers to help more women become involved in frontline politics.
SNP councillor Fay Sinclair has called for the creation of a more family-friendly environment to encourage more women to stand for election.
In a motion to go before a full Fife Council meeting on Thursday, Ms Sinclair points out that only 29% of the region’s councillors are female.
Seconded by Councillor John Docherty, the Dunfermline councillor will call on the local authority to acknowledge that elected members face particular demands associated with balancing their responsibilities to constituents with caring for an infant.
She will also ask members to “make a commitment that no member will be prevented from participating fully in the operation of the council by reason of having the care of a baby.”
The motion adds: “Fife Council further recognises the health benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and baby and commits to ensuring mothers feel welcome and supported to breastfeed their babies while carrying out duties as elected members.”
Ms Sinclair said the approach would allow employees to balance their personal and working lives and help maintain productivity and motivation.
The motion concludes: “Fife Council will also ensure this approach is extended to elected members to improve conditions for all and as a step to addressing the fact that women are comprehensively under-represented across local government.”
Sharon McKenzie, head of human resources with Fife Council, said: “The council promotes a range of flexible working policies to help all staff strike a healthy work-life balance.
“New parents may have specific needs relating to childcare or breastfeeding, but we also recognise that anyone may have caring responsibilities for older or younger dependants.”
The council’s head of democratic services, Linda Bissett noted that although only 29% of all Fife’s councillors are female, 37% of councillors with special responsibilities are women.
“The council has no control over the candidates who stand for election,” she said.
“The balance of candidates is a matter for the political parties to consider and the final choice of councillors is down to the electorate.”