Graphical version
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
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Towards an Equality Strategy:Consultation on the Development
of the Strategy
ANNEX
EXCERPT FROM
QUESTIONS OF MAINSTREAMING: EXAMINING POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE
PROPOSALS WITHIN AN EQUALITIES FRAMEWORK
What is mainstreaming?
- Mainstreaming equality is essentially concerned with the integration
of equal opportunities principles, strategies and practices into the every
day work of Government and other public bodies from the outset, involving
every day policy actors in addition to equality specialists. In
other words, it entails rethinking mainstream provision to accommodate gender,
race, disability and other dimensions of discrimination and disadvantage,
including sexuality and religion.
- It is a long-term strategy to frame policies in terms of the realities of
peoples daily lives, and to change organisation cultures and structures
accordingly. It puts people, and their diverse needs and experiences, at the
heart of policy-making.
- It leads to better government through better informed policy-making and
a greater transparency and openness in the policy process and helps to tackle
democratic deficit by encouraging wider participation in the policy process
through effective consultation mechanisms.
- As a process it tackles the structures in society which contribute to, or
sustain, discrimination and disadvantage.
- The application of a mainstreaming approach can avoid the adoption of policies
and programmes which replicate discrimination and exacerbate existing inequalities.
- Mainstreaming complements lawful positive action designed to address the
historic and current impact of discriminating structures and practices.
An Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial
Equality publication in partnership with Governance of Scotland Forum, University
of Edinburgh.
For more information contact:
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Equal Opportunities Commission
St Stephens House
279 Bath Street
GLASGOW
G2
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Commission for Racial Equality
45 Hanover Street
EDINBURGH
EH2 2PJ
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Tel: 0141 248 5833
Fax: 0141 248 5834
e-mail: scotland@eoc.org.uk
Website: www.eoc.org.uk
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Tel: 0131 226 5186
Fax: 0131 226 5243
Website: www.cre.gov.uk
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