Jo Swinson has been writing for Management Today about the importance of ensuring that businesses ensure that women have equal opportunity to reach senior and board levels of companies.
Women are vital to Britain’s economic recovery and we need to ensure we are making full use of their talents. That’s why the government is focused on removing the barriers that prevent women from getting ahead and achieving their full potential. We simply can’t afford to lose out on the talents and skills of over half the population.
She acknowledged progress on this but said that there was more to be done, outlining two key aspects of government policy that she is responsible for:
If we want to maintain this progress, not only within large companies but across the economy as a whole, we need to take full advantage of all the skills and talents women have to offer by making sure we have modern, flexible workplaces that allow us to do so. This is why we’re introducing a new system of shared parental leave which will allow couples to choose how they share care for their child in the first year after birth.
The new system will shatter the perception that it is mainly a woman’s role to stay at home and look after the child. It will also allow women to choose to return to work earlier if they wish, reducing the impact of pregnancy on women’s careers.
The government is also extending the right to request flexible working to all employees. We want to remove the cultural assumption that flexible working only benefits parents and carers, and give everyone the chance to better balance work and their personal life. This will help to reduce discrimination against parents who need more flexible arrangements.
She concluded by pointing readers to the Government’s response to the recent Women’s Business Council report which outlines measures to broaden girls’ aspirations as they are growing up and to support women throughout their careers.
You can read the whole article here.
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5 Comments
I’d like to offer a slight topical amendment to Jo Swinson’s welcome words:
“Women are vital to >>the Liberal Democrats’ political<< recovery and we need to ensure we are making full use of their talents. "
Indeed.
I agree with this but can someone please tell Lib Dem politicians to stop using the phrase “the right to request” something when they mean the right to see such a request accepted.
The other parties already adequately serve those who want to hear politician-speak from their elected representatives.
Only women? Guess I should just go down to the pub and drink myself senseless again.
It is not only gender that anyone should be employed and given a position. How, about merit for the job?
I think men tend to fear a woman who has the intelligence to get to the top of her profession. In fact ,there is little to fear, I think most women like the chance to shine in what they do best.
How about Nick Cl egg’s partner, is she not a top lawyer in her field?
It was many years ago , that education for a woman was considered to be dangerous, as her husband was no longer in control.
Controlling is not what maintains any situation or relationship, I hope that I am regarded with respect, for what I do, rather than the fact of being a woman.
It would be a very good idea to see more women in the higher positions, if in business or politics.