Jo Swinson, the Minister for Women and Equalities, is unable to be at the 2013 Conference, but sends the following message:
“The government is working to improve the lives of women and girls, not only in Britain but around the world. We are investing in girls, supporting projects that provide education, maternal and child health, as well as economic and political empowerment. Girls with an education marry later, have fewer and healthier children, and when she can earn extra income, a woman will reinvest 90% of it in her family and community.
“In Britain, we are determined to remove the barriers that prevent women from succeeding in the workplace, this is not just important for women and their families; it is also vitally important for businesses and the economy. That’s why we are extending the right to request flexible working to all employees, and introducing a system of shared parental leave. You cannot build strong economies, open societies and inclusive political systems without women, effectively missing out half your population.
“And through our Think, Act, Report initiative I am encouraging companies with over 150 employees to be much more transparent and to publish the details of the measures they’ve put in place to support women in the workplace. We now have 130 companies signed up to making this public commitment so far.
“Soroptimists International do fantastic work in helping to promote greater equality for women both here and abroad. I wish you all the best for a successful conference.”