§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what contribution the Government are making to the United Nations Conference, Women 2000: Gender, Equality, Development and Peace for the Twenty-first Century. [125249]
§ Ms JowellWe published yesterday and have placed in the Library two documents: "Equality in practice" and "Women and Men in the UK: facts and figures 2000".
"Equality in practice" is a short, practical and lively document which shows how the UK Government are improving women's lives at home and overseas by focusing on five vital areas: women and the economy, making equality happen, education, health and the resolving of crime and violence. It also describes some 258W of the work being carried out with partner countries and organisations in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Eastern Europe.
"Women and Men in the UK: facts and figures 2000" tells the story of women and men's changing position in society. It highlights both change and continuity with facts and figures. It is a celebration of women's achievements and a reminder of what more still needs to be done. The UK Government are working to create a more just society, one in which women and men are equal. To achieve this, we have to understand what has and has not changed. These facts and figures are vital to inform our thinking and policy making.