Parliamentary Candidates asked to pledge their support to Women

A survey conducted by equality organisation the Fawcett Society, asked 2,285 parliamentary candidates whether they will commit to supporting a wider action against gender inequality. It asked for support on tackling the gender pay gap, increasing support services for rape victims and looking at how the impact of cutting the deficit will affect women.

Ceri Goddard, chief executive of Fawcett, commented: "We were already very concerned by the near invisibility of women in this election, but it seems this may be the least of their worries after May 6th ? whichever party gets in, achieving equality for women is still far from the cross-party and uncontroversial issue it should be."

Women fought long and hard to get the vote. Whichever party you're backing, remember to use yours!

Click here to see the result of the survey.

Smart Opportunities for Women hosted an exclusive session called ‘The Platform’ at its recent event in Dartford, where local women were invited to come and air their views, concerns and questions to the Dartford parliamentary candidates, ahead of the 6th May election. All candidates from the major parties were invited to take part in the discussion. 

Veronica Akinyemi, Director of Smart Opportunities for Women, said: “It is very important that the voices of women are heard and that politicians think more about things that can benefit women in the workplace, such as affordable childcare and flexible working arrangements. Many women are keen to advance professionally but it is essential that they have the right support to help them reach this goal.”