§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Minister for Women what progress she has made towards increasing the number of women holding public appointments. [50530]
§ Ms HewittThe Government believe that women and men should hold an equal proportion of all public appointments. Public Bodies 2001, published on 14 February, shows that at 31 March 2001, women held 34 per cent. of all appointments to the boards of non-departmental public bodies, nationalised industries, public corporations and health bodies.
The document "Public Bodies: Opening Up Appointments" which was also published on 14 February sets out the targets that individual Government Departments are working towards for increasing the proportion of appointments held by women and the action plans to achieve these targets.
We want to encourage more women to apply for national public appointments. That is why my hon. Friend, Minister for Women in the Cabinet Office, is currently hosting a series of regional seminars to give information and offer practical support.
The seminars aim to inspire women through real-life case studies, provide information about what appointments are available and practical advice on how to go about getting a public appointment. The seminars hosted so far have been very successful, and the programme is being extended. Research will also be conducted into the usefulness of the seminars.
The Women's National Commission is offering women who attend the seminars the chance to join an e-network. This will offer notifications of specific opportunities, occasional workshops and mentors.