Women are the key to economic success
Lynne Featherstone speech on how giving women the opportunity to achieve their full potential would be key to economic recovery.
The Minister was joined by a number of senior buisiness women including聽Justine Roberts聽of聽Mumsnet and聽Deborah Mattinson, founding director of聽鈥橞ritain Thinks鈥�. Speaking at the event, she said:
鈥楾his government鈥檚 first priority is to get our economy back in shape. Creating opportunities for women to achieve their full potential is at the heart of our approach.
鈥榃e have announced a new mentoring scheme for those who want to start or grow their own business. We are introducing flexible parental leave and extending the right to request flexible working, as well as increasing women鈥檚 representation at senior levels and taking action to help close the gender pay gap.
鈥楾he government will also establish a Women鈥檚 Business Council, to advise on what more we can do to maximise women鈥檚 contribution to future economic growth.鈥�
Economic benefits 聽
A recent study by the Government Equalities Office estimated that better use of women鈥檚 skills could deliver economic benefits of fifteen to twenty one billion pounds per year. Tackling inequality is not just crucial for women but crucial for our economy.