Anna Nelson Postgraduate Researcher at the University of Manchester examines the current law around imposition of surgery upon intersex infants and why the UK should follow Malta’s lead and legislate against this. Currently, there is no law prohibiting the imposition of surgery upon intersex infants which has the sole purpose of altering of external genitalia […]
Where next for SPL: reflections on the Women and Equalities Committee’s ‘Fathers and the Workplace’ inquiry recommendations
Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee today released its report from the Fathers and the Workplace inquiry which highlights the difficulties dads have in balancing their careers and childcare responsibilities. Dr Emma Banister from Alliance Manchester Business School and Dr Ben Kerrane from Lancaster University Management School give us their thoughts on the report’s recommendations. It […]
Shared parental leave: Opportunities and barriers and the #sharethejoy campaign
As the Government launches a new drive to raise awareness about Shared Parental Leave, Dr Emma Banister looks at the issues dogging this flagship gender equality initiative. Success of the Shared Parental Leave scheme remains a challenge due to a lack of awareness and understanding as well as a range of barriers and constraints associated […]
Can cancer services be sexist? Rectifying a gender disparity in cancer screening practices.
Lynch syndrome is a common and inherited condition that puts those affected by it at risk of numerous cancers. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended all bowel cancers be screened so as to pick up Lynch syndrome; a move that will undoubtedly save lives. However, for many women, womb cancer […]
Why closing the gender pay gap requires a new debate on fair pay
Professor Jill Rubery, Director of the Work and Equalities Institute at Alliance Manchester Business School examines why progress on closing the gender pay gap within organisations requires a new debate on the principles and practices of fair pay. Similar pay gaps, to those at the BBC, can be expected to be found across the public […]
Gender inequalities and sexual harassment in global value chains
Dr Lara Bianchi is Research Associate and Coordinator at the Business and Human Rights Catalyst at the Alliance Manchester Business School. With Professor Stephanie Barrientos, Dr Bianchi wrote a briefing paper for the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights 2017 titled ‘Women Workers in Global Supply Chains: Rights and Remedy’. In this blog she […]
Are some fathers being ignored in family friendly policy initiatives?
Dr Emma Banister from Alliance Manchester Business School and Dr Helen Norman from The University of Manchester examine the need for policy makers to include fathers in family policy initiatives. The introduction of Shared Parental Leave aimed to support and encourage fathers to be more involved in their child’s upbringing. Debates and initiatives surrounding fatherhood […]
The battle over skirt-only uniform codes – does it matter who wears the trousers?
Nowadays everywhere you look you will see women and girls wearing trousers: at work, at play, at formal and informal occasions. But many schools still impose skirt-only uniform codes for girls which Claire Hale says is gender discrimination and out of step with the modern world. The Queen has been seen in public wearing trousers. […]
By admitting women bishops, Church may avoid closer scrutiny of gender inequality
The decision of the General Synod to allow women to become bishops ends an unpopular (if legally protected) policy of gender discrimination. It brings the Church of England into the modern world while drawing on ancient traditions of shared leadership, explains Professor Kate Cooper. A collective sigh of relief could be heard round the Anglican […]
How can experiences of women negotiators help us achieve equity in times of change?
The demand to include women in political negotiations is slowly becoming an international norm. To maximise the impact of inclusion, it is important to learn from women negotiators’ experiences to date, explain Dr Laura McLeod and Dr Rachel Johnson. There is widespread recognition that women need to be involved in negotiation processes – ranging from […]