Young women in the Highlands have led a research project to better understand and end social isolation in the area.
The campaign was run through Young Women Lead – a programme delivered by The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women’s feminist leadership and collective action against gender inequality.
The group asked self-identifying young women and girls who live or have lived in the Highlands to send in anonymous creative submissions to better understand lived experiences of social isolation in the region – one of Europe’s most sparsely populated areas – and identify solutions.
Social isolation experienced by young women in the Highlands is a complex issue rooted in structural and social obstacles, which has worsened due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
A lack of reliable and affordable public transport and services were identified as key root causes, along with the migration of young people who leave the area due to low employment prospects or to pursue higher education.
Themes of isolation negatively affecting young women’s confidence, mental health and alcohol use were discovered in the submissions.
The research found an urgent need to support young women who are experiencing isolation in the area. Recommendations include the improvement of transport and the creation of more services and spaces that better cater to young women and girls in the area, with one respondent writing: "Those who remain are viewed as less intelligent or open minded, we need to work to change the stigma around this, and create new opportunities for young people who wish to stay and others who may wish to come here."
Young Women Lead is a feminist leadership programme for women and non-binary people aged 16-30 years old. The programme provides participants with a unique space to share their experiences and work together to create real tangible change. Working in different local authority areas across Scotland, Young Women Lead focuses on providing free training opportunities and engaging with local democracy through facilitating a group project tackling a local issue.
Jenni Snell, chief executive officer of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘It’s widely evidenced that there is a significant issue in relation to social isolation in rural communities in Scotland. This new report sheds light on the heightened social isolation faced by young women in and offers a platform for them to share the experiences that are unique to them.
"I am grateful to the young women who bravely and openly shared their experiences. Their creativity evokes raw and powerful emotions of what it means to feel socially isolated for a young woman in the Scottish Highlands."
The analysis of social isolation in the Highlands can be found on The Young Women’s Movement’s website, alongside a digital magazine of the creative submissions received.
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.