Leading female politicians are backing a campaign to create a more equal future for girls and young women in Scotland.

The Citizen Girl initiative, launched by Girlguiding Scotland and Women 50:50, aims to empower girls of all ages to explore why their voice matters.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson are backing the campaign which also aims to encourage more girls and young women to consider becoming political leaders.

It comes after recent research by Girlguiding across the UK found that girls continue to feel under-represented in politics, with more than one in two of those aged 11-21 saying politicians do not understand the issues facing girls and young women today.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Citizen Girl is an initiative that I warmly welcome. It will create new opportunities for girls and young women to shine locally and nationally.

"The Scottish Government is committed to tackling gender inequality and celebrating the many and valued contributions of young women and girls in Scotland."

Girlguiding Scotland is also calling for businesses, public bodies and voluntary organisations in Scotland to commit to increasing female representation in management and creating opportunities for the next generation of girls to take the lead.

The campaign is part of the charity's celebrations to mark Scotland's Year of Young People and the 100th anniversary since the first women gained the right to vote in the UK.

Labour MSP and Women 50:50 co-founder Ms Dugdale said: "I'm delighted to back the Citizen Girl initiative and I look forward to engaging with the next generation of female leaders and encouraging them to use their voices to speak up."

Ms Davidson said: "I congratulate Girlguiding Scotland on the launch of Citizen Girl - every young woman should feel empowered to find her own voice and this campaign will help achieve that."