This week started with a speech in the British Embassy in Paris as part of the UNESCO / L’Oréal collaboration to get more women into STEM careers. Paris in 35 degrees was challenging, but it was a privilege to be there and a useful opportunity to catch up with many truly inspirational women in science. The big difference of the L’Oréal programme compared to many others is that the grants awarded can be used for anything, including childcare, which is an important part of keeping women in STEM.
I also spoke at an event in Uxbridge promoting women in the construction industry. Some months ago on International Women’s Day I met a great female owner of a construction company who is a real leader in the field. Often it is hard to get women recruited in the construction sector, and I keep urging the Government to look at the work the DWP does to help people back into work without stereotyping the sectors in which they try to place people.
This week’s train strikes have demonstrated the useful lesson we all discovered during lockdown of the benefits of flexible working. The meeting I had with Save the Children was conducted in hybrid, with half the attendees there on zoom. And my Select Committee continues to routinely have evidence sessions with witnesses via zoom. This week we were looking at the impact of pornography on violence against women and girls, with Ministers from both Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and the Home Office. It was one of the most interesting sessions we have held recently, and I sincerely hope the Online Safety legislation going through the House has the effect intended.
