Women and the poverty trap

The need for women to have an independent income is not just about equality; it is also about poverty. Demographics and society are changing. Men are no longer the sole providers. More women than ever will be lone parents, at least for part of their lives, and more families than ever rely on women's wages.

Government policies need to be genuinely value caring, to ensure that women who care for their families, are not risking their financial well-being in the longer term. They need to encourage women to stay in the labour market by helping them combine work with family responsibilities.

Improving maternity leave, and providing good quality, affordable childcare will make it easier for women to spend time at home with their children, without compromising their ability to provide for themselves and their families; this goes for men too! The Government needs to encourage and allow men to take on their share of caring. In the longer term, this will help prevent the trauma of relationship breakdowns being compounded by families falling into poverty, and should ensure that women do not end their lives poor as a result of a lifetime of caring.

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