§ Judy MallaberTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how his Department monitors the impact of its policies on women. [15974]
§ Mrs. RocheIt is important that departments mainstream women's issues into policy making and delivery. The Women and Equality Unit has developed a framework to encourage policy-makers to challenge each stage of policy making. It asks a series of questions to help ensure that policies meet the different needs of women and men. It has been piloted in the Departments of Health and Lord Chancellor's Department and will be reviewed in the New Year.
Through its research and other work, the Women and Equality Unit monitors the impact on women of policies in areas of key importance to women.