VOICES OF WOMEN IN SHETLAND 2025-2026

Each year during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Shetland Women’s Aid invites women living in Shetland to share their experiences through the Women in Shetland survey.

The survey gathers insight into the realities women face in our community, including safety, inequality, and gender-based violence. These findings help inform ongoing work to prevent violence, improve responses to abuse, and strengthen support for women across Shetland.

We are publishing the findings of 2025 to coincide with International Women’s Day 2026, to ensure that women’s voices are heard. While many women spoke about the strengths of our community, others shared experiences of discrimination, harm, and barriers to support. Together, these responses highlight both the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done.

We would like to thank every woman who took the time to share her experiences. Your voices matter, and they help shape the work that lies ahead.

Please note that this report includes discussion of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, sexual violence, and discrimination. Some readers may find these topics distressing. If you have been affected by any of the issues discussed, information about local support services can be found at the end of the report. You are not alone.

Full report:

Executive Summary: