Women: Rights

Debate between Baroness Northover and Lord Morgan

Tuesday 4th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Northover]

It is a long, slow process and we have much to do here. As noble Lords are well aware, their disproportionate responsibility for children, caring for elderly parents and so on hold women back in this country. We must make sure that men and women, families and society as a whole ensure that those responsibilities are shared. We are fortunate in many regards in comparison with women around the world. She flags a problem, which my honourable friend Lynne Featherstone is tackling, which afflicts girls in this country and, particularly, overseas and is an indication of the status of women.

[Lord Morgan]

My Lords, can the Government assist in the process by furthering a correct account of the death of Emily Wilding Davison? It was not a reckless act of suicide but, as my noble friend observed, a constructive act of peaceful protest that deserves the respect and gratitude of us all.

[Baroness Northover]

That sounds like a very good idea. Given that the noble Lord taught me history, perhaps he will take it forward.