It’s election fever in the UK with all eyes on Government and manifestos. Here at Equality Starts at Home we are calling for change to address the social emergency we see in the home space. On average, women in the UK do two hours more unpaid work per day than men. The consequence is that women are more likely to end up in poverty late in life.
The New York Times recently reported analysis by Oxfam showing that the unpaid work done by women globally, if paid at minimum wage, would be worth a staggering $10.8 trillion last year. That makes women’s unpaid work the fourth largest economy in the world! This work isn’t recognised by our society, with housework often seen as less important than paid work.
At the root of this problem is an invisible imbalance – physical and mental workload – that often disproportionately falls to women. Equality Starts at Home offers a hub of resources to help tackle difficult conversations and work towards solutions.
But it is not as simple as a conversation. Achieving equality at home depends on complex external policy factors. Flexible working, shared parental leave and affordable childcare are basic needs that impact how responsibilities are shared. According to Pregnant then Screwed’s Mumifesto 76% of mothers who pay for childcare say it no longer makes financial sense for them to work. Promised changes to childcare do not go far enough and many providers are unable to deliver against expectations. Flexible working protections exist, but also do not go far enough.
A mckinsey research into men who took paternity leave indicated that all those surveyed were glad they took it and 90% noticed an improvement in the relationship with their partners. While the research from the Fawcett Society (2016) showed that men were refused flexible working at twice the rate of women. There needs to be more support to tackle the flexible working stigma faced by men and the impact this has on them.
We need Government to recognise that many policies are based on out-of-date gender stereotypes of females as primary caregivers, males as breadwinners. It is not our reality in 2024.
On 4 July the UK will elect their representatives to constitute Government, officials that hold the power to change policy.
Now is not the time for watered-down approaches. Inflexible return to workpost pandemic mandates further propel women into complex juggles. A lack of flexibility undermines the desire of dads and partners to have an active role in raising their children, or sharing responsibilities. Juggling complex care needs of relatives and friends is made harder. Senior leaders particularly need to demonstrate that flexible working works, and we need more role models showing this, but the Government need to be behind us on this.
In the lead up to elections and first 100 days of Government, we want to see
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- Affordable childcare for all with plans to roll it out that respect the practical needs of childcare institutions. We need more funding and cover for when parents need it.
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- Affordable and flexible wraparound childcare cover that brings an end to complicated juggles and long waiting lists.
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- Increased paid maternity, paternity and parental leave so that both parents can take the time needed after birth. This should include self-employed parents.
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- An end to pregnancy and maternity discrimination with greater Government support on policies that firmly tackle injustice.
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- Stronger mandates for workplaces around flexible working so it is seen as the norm, not the exception.
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- Gender pay gaps tackled with companies mandated to adopt greater protections and more inclusive practice, such as those advocated by Lead5050.
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- Stronger diversity, equality and inclusion strategies with more inclusive representation in the workplace and the halls of Government, to help transform societal attitudes and tackle institutional bias around women’s unpaid work.
Equality Starts at Home calls on all political parties to adopt these landmark policies in their first 100 days to address the social crisis we are in. Let’s make this next election matter!
About Equality Starts at Home
Our mission is to shift mindsets and change behaviours to enable a greater sharing of emotional and domestic labour. We want to shift attitudes at home, in the workplace and in public provision for equality, and to do this there are many steps we can take. For example, both partners being able to speak up and have difficult conversations at home (if safe to do so) and trust each other to take on their fair share.
Be an agent for change. We are starting a movement for change to create a more equal world. If you would like to join us, start by learning more about ESAH campaigns, where you can connect with us on socials and opportunities to volunteer or support our work.
Start conversations at home. Our resource hub offers practical tools and advice to help you find a better balance, starting at home. Learn about the problem, how to work towards solutions and approaching difficult conversations with your partner.
Call for change at work. We run events and workshops to help organisations promote equality at home and at work. Find out about how we can help or partner with us to become a leader in driving practical change starting with your team.