Gordon Brown speaks to iVillagers

In the first in a series of Q and A sessions with the iVillage community , the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, spoke exclusively to iVillage.co.uk on a number of key issues affecting women today

Before answering questions submitted by various community members, we asked Mr Brown to give us a general recap of how his Government is addressing the most pressing issues affecting women in the UK.

He said: "I'm really pleased to get the chance to talk to iVillage.co.uk readers because there's a lot the Government has been doing for women that I'm really passionate about. For example, there is Sure Start, with over 3000 children's centres across the country now offering an invaluable service of support, advice and childcare services for families.

"Together with the entitlement to free childcare for all three and four year olds, mums and dads can now access up to 1500 hours of free childcare during their child's first five years.

"But it's not just mums who we are working hard for. We've introduced the right to request flexible working, shown we are committed to tackling domestic violence and we're making huge strides in areas like breast cancer and safer and more reliable transport.

"We're making it easier for women to get on at work with over 100,000 women starting an apprenticeship last year and more women going to university than ever before."

NEXT PAGE: The Prime Minister answers iVillagers' questions