THERE is no doubt that we have made real strides as a society when it comes to tackling discrimination against women, whether that be at home, in the workplace or in wider society.

However, we still have a long way to go, whether it be tackling the gender pay gap, improving women’s healthcare, increasing women’s access to justice or tackling sexism, and misogyny, the prejudice against or hatred of women.

Misogynistic views are a symptom of a society where women are undervalued.

But I am also concerned by the extent to which such ideas are disseminated to young people at an early age, whether it be in society as a whole or at home, from public figures or online influencers.

Scotland’s schools should be a safe place for women and girls, who are instead increasingly subjected to misogynistic and sexist behaviour.

This has a direct impact on girls in education. According to a University of Glasgow study, nearly 70 per cent of secondary school students have experienced some form of sexual harassment.

For example, many girls feel pressured to send naked images of themselves to boys, a practice a recent University College London and University of Kent survey found to be “increasingly normalised”.

Female staff working in Scotland’s schools have also borne the brunt of this escalating epidemic of violence and misogynistic behaviour.

A survey by teachers’ union NASUWT recently found that nearly a fifth of women teachers had experienced misogyny from a pupil in the last year.

They also experienced more frequent physical attacks than their male counterparts. A study by trade union Unison found it is support staff, who are overwhelmingly women, who bear the brunt of this violence.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government published a refreshed framework on preventing and responding to gender-based violence in schools.

While acknowledging the problem, and highlighting the link between gender-based violence and gender inequality is the first step, solving the issue of misogyny in schools will require more than recommendations.

In November, my party published a consultation on the violence against women and girls, and the core message we received from respondents was that misogynistic ideas are systemic.

This is why Scottish Labour is calling for action to ensure respect for women and girls, whether in the classroom, online, on public transport or at work.

That must mean the implementation of a comprehensive cross-campus strategy to tackle sexism in all education settings.

We believe this should ensure children and young people can learn about the unacceptability of sexism from a young age and include lessons targeted towards young boys and men regarding the links between sexism, sexual harassment and violence.

I am keen to hear from Inverclyde residents on what more can be done on the issue of sexism and misogyny in schools. I will be hosting a discussion on Monday 25 March at the Beacon Arts Centre from 4pm. All are welcome.

It is time for a fundamental change in society to keep women and girls safe. Let’s make it happen.