Six in 10 women think sexism exists in politics

A recent research conducted by the Fawcett Society, a leading gender equality charity, found that almost six in 10 women think sexism in local politics is a barrier to pursuing a political career. According to the research, seven in 10 women have problems in juggling work and other responsibilities in their lives as an MP or councillor. Six in ten lack confidence. Based on a poll conducted on 400 women, the survey depicts that “the dearth of women in politics will result in them continuing to bear the brunt of the pandemic’s financial fallout during the recovery period.” At present, only five out of 23 cabinet ministers are women. The Fawcett Society’s research also found that more women than men have been furloughed as a result of having caring responsibilities and being more likely to be in industries that have been locked down.More than one-third of mothers say they have lost hours of work because of having to do childcare – with this figure rising to more than four in 10 for black, Asian and minority ethnic mothers. It also brought to light that not a single woman is involved in the coronavirus ministerial group and the home secretary. Priti Patel, is the only female cabinet minister to have addressed the public at the government’s daily Covid briefings.