On 7 March 2011, the Government published a consultation: ‘Strengthening Women’s Voices in Government’.

This sets out the Government’s proposals for a new approach for engaging and listening to women through: 

• Direct engagement between ministers, women and organisations that represent women to ensure government understands the views of a wide range of women in the UK, and providing the opportunity for a genuine two way dialogue on policies that affect women.
• Bringing in expertise from the women’s sector and beyond to support the new model and support independence from government where this is critical, particularly in the international arena.
• Looking Ahead to enable [the Government] to anticipate emerging and future issues, such as the impact of the changing demography of the UK, which will be important for women.
• A new IT platform, making the most of modern communication techniques to get the informed voice of women to Government when they need to be heard.

The consultation runs until 10 June 2011 and is an opportunity to influence proposals about Government’s new approach for engaging and listening to women in the UK.

Click here for statement to parliament by Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities (pdf)

Click here for consultation (pdf)

Click here for further information, including how to subscribe to Women’s Engagement newsletter

http://www.edf.org.uk/blog/?p=10238