Changes still need to come

INTERNATIONAL Women’s

Day today celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political equality of women.

It also calls for more action to be taken against gender inequality around the world. The case for equality for women was argued by Plato 24 centuries ago. How far have women actually come since then? Here in the UK, the Office for National Statistics states that on average women’s pay is 17.9% less than men.

Women are still, mainly, the carers in families. Female carers are more likely to provide round the clock care with 60% caring more than 50 hours per week. They are also more likely to be “sandwich carers” for both elderly relatives and young children.

Those who qualify for a carers’ allowance receive a miserly £67.50 per week for caring over 35 hours per week. Less than £2 per hour!

The Covid pandemic has intensified burdens on women.

When nurseries and schools closed it was women who largely took on extra responsibilities of juggling care and work.

A report by Engender concludes that women’s unpaid caring roles have been marginalised within economic and social policy.

Women have had to manage unpaid and paid caring work.

This has obstructed women’s progress in the labour market, in political representation and in public lives. One of Engender’s recommendations is paying at least the living wage to unpaid carers.

It also recommends challenging men to do their fair share of childcare and domestic work.

Women in the UK had to wait till 1928 before gaining equal voting rights to men.

Plato might have thought it a little overdue! Covid has shown the importance of carers and how women stepped up to the challenge.

Women have been short-changed while delivering important roles for too long.

On International Women’s Day, men and women should recognise that drastic changes must take place soon.

Coun Cath Davis, Preston Ward,

North Tyneside