Measures to tackle gender inequality from school age

Minister for Women & Equalities, Penny Mordaunt, will today (3 July) set out her vision for gender equality in the UK with the publication of ‘Gender equality at all stages: A roadmap for change’.

It looks at why, despite generally doing better in education, women are more than three times more likely to work part time - with less chance of seeing their wages grow, tend to work in lower paid industries and jobs, and have lower private pensions wealth.

The government will pilot different approaches to education about gender roles, spending £2 million so children will learn about different careers at primary school age. It will also invest in programmes to increase participation in STEM subjects.

Penny Mordaunt said: “Inequality is faced at every stage of a woman’s life - from how she is treated in the classroom, to the caring roles she often takes on, and the lack of savings or pension she accumulates. This road map is intended to define and guide how we tackle the barriers women face as they journey through life."

The roadmap sets out plans to financially empower women from school to retirement.

Measures will include a review of enforcement of equal pay legislation and improved information for parents around family friendly entitlements.

A new chair and remit for the Women’s Business Council will also be announced, working with sectors to tackle their gender pay gaps.