Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Morgan of Cotes and David Morris

Thursday 3rd July 2014 Commons Chamber

[David Morris (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Con)]

3. What discussions she has had with her counterparts overseas on the contribution of women and girls to the global economy.

[The Minister for Women (Nicky Morgan)]

In June I met many of my overseas counterparts at a global ministerial round table at the global summit of women held in Paris. This event brought together business, professional and governmental leaders to explore strategies and best practices in accelerating women’s economic progress worldwide. The most important task for the UK Government, as for the rest of the global community, is to build a stronger, fairer economy capable of delivering lasting prosperity. Women and girls are essential to the UK’s economic growth.

[David Morris]

I thank my right hon. Friend for that comprehensive reply. What issues were identified in those recent discussions?

[Nicky Morgan]

What was really interesting about going to the international summit—it was the same when I went to the Commonwealth summit in Bangladesh last year—was just how many of the same issues we share around the world in terms of enabling women to play their full part in economies. We talked about gender equality, parental leave, returners to work, supporting older workers, women’s access to finance and the importance of coaching, mentoring and role models in encouraging women to set up their own businesses.