§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a556W statement on the findings of the consultation conducted by the Women's Unit in respect of stereotyping experienced by girls in subject and career choice counselling. [127248]
§ Ms Jowell[holding answer 26 June 2000]: Young people were consulted about their job expectations and asked to examine the different expectations of boys and girls. Young women felt that despite their better performance than boys in school exams, the full range of career choices was not always presented to them. As a result we have developed a range of work experience programmes for girls with major companies and the Ministry of Defence to give girls an experience of different non-traditional work areas such as IT, engineering, construction, property and the armed forces.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans have been made for the summit for Women in the New Economy. [127250]
557W
§ Ms Jowell[holding answer 26 June 2000]: The Government are planning to organise a two day event early next year that will focus on women in the UK maximising their potential in the labour market, whether it be starting a business, returning to work, considering a career change, or wishing to progress within their current organisation. Women from a range of backgrounds and locations will be given the opportunity to explore the choices available. The event will include exhibitors, (both public and private sector), workshops and seminars and women will be encouraged to participate in all of these.