David Cameron is to recruit a female adviser to analyse government policy and advise the cabinet on the impact its proposals will have on women.
It's not before time: the future isn't looking good for women. With female unemployment already at a 23-year high - at 1.13 million - women will be hit hardest both by redundancies in the public sector and, because they use them more, by cuts in state services and benefits.
Woman are, in addition, the ones left "filling the gaps" as services are withdrawn, exacerbating and entrenching unemployment - and all its knock-on disadvantages.
• What would you do, if you had the access and influence of Cameron's new adviser?
• What new policies should be introduced?
• Which existing policies need to be reviewed - or abandoned?
And, if there is no money for anything - what significant measures are there that cost little or nothing? Should, for example, private companies be encouraged to do more on flexible working?
On Friday 10 February, Amelia Hill (@byameliahill) will hold a
roundtable discussion. Taking part will be:
• Pragna Patel, founding member of Southall Black Sisters
• Baroness Shirley Williams, Liberal Democrat peer
• Jackie Long, social affairs editor, Channel 4 News
• Penelope Curtis, director, Tate Britain
• A 17-year-old representative from the British Youth Council
What questions and issues should the panel consider? Leave your suggestions for our panel in the thread and the reasons you think they should be discussed.
A selection of these will be put to the roundtable on Friday and we will report back on what is said.
