Having babies is 'barrier to equality' says former Equalities Minister
Comments come in the wake of EU debate on quotas in the boardroom

Comments come in the wake of EU debate on quotas in the boardroom
Women having children is key in preventing them from being fully equal to men, according to former Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone.
‘One of the main barriers to full equality in the UK is the fact that women still have babies,’ she told theThe Telegraphnewspaper.
‘I think that it [having a baby] is a bit of a setback to women because it gives an opportunity – whether it’s in commerce, politics or wherever you work – to men to climb the ladder faster. There is a period of a woman’s life – where she may need to take a break or work at a different rate,’ she continued.
ONLY ONE IN FIVE SENIOR ROLES IN THE CITY ARE FILLED BY WOMEN
Featherstone went on to argue that many ‘mediocre’ men end up on the board of directors simply due to connections, and the fact that they had no career break along the way.
The single mother of two suggests women are deprived from the same kind of networking opportunities which, coupled with a career break, means women have to ‘fight every inch of the way.’
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
This comes in the wake of advancements that suggest gender quotas should be placed on boardrooms in order to ensure a base number of women executives.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Jonathan Anderson is going to Dior Men
His debut collection will be this June
By Mischa Anouk Smith
-
I'm a 2025 bride and these are the best affordable wedding dresses I've found
Less than £1,000 but still the height of chic
By Sofia Piza
-
Hands down, these are the best wedding foundations for each skin type
That bridal glow, bottled
By Denise Primbet