Oral QuestionWomen and Equalities

What steps she is taking to support women’s economic empowerment.

Tabled: 4 December 2025Answered: 10 December 2025

Asked by

Mike Reader

LabourNorthampton South

Answering Minister

the Minister for Women and Equalities

Answer from Hansard

The Minister for Equalities (Seema Malhotra)

Gender equality is not just the right thing to do; it is imperative to unlock growth, as a 5% increase in female employment could boost the economy by up to £125 billion every year. That is why we are backing women in work and those starting businesses by supporting the investing in women code, expanding access to flexible working, funding childcare for working families and ensuring that employers have a plan to reduce their gender pay gap.