Nicola Sturgeon: 'I want to help women'

Scotland's First Minister appointed a gender-balanced cabinet - one of only three in the developed world

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett, left, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, centre, and Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Woodand (PA) (PA)

Nicola Sturgeon has been in the job only three months but already she is eyeing her legacy. “Being the first woman First Minister is a big responsibility and I feel the weight of that acutely. I’m determined to use that position to help further the ability of other women to get on in their chosen field.”

She argues it is time to use force to get more women into politics and the boardroom: “Quotas are necessary. They’re a blunt tool. But if we had a real meritocracy now we’d have a gender balance.

“I appointed a gender-balanced cabinet – one of only three in the developed world. I’m challenging companies and public bodies to have gender balance on their boards. I’m extending childcare to give women practical help to pursue careers. If I leave office...without having helped make a difference for other women then that would be a failure.”