§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Minister for Women how many women have attended regional seminars by the Women and Equality Unit on attracting women to public appointments; and if she will make a statement. [99042]
§ Ms Hewitt848 women attended the eight regional seminars. In addition, five national seminars took place, targeted at specialist female audiences. In total, 1,328 women, from diverse backgrounds, attended the 13 seminars.
§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Minister for Women if she will make a statement on the publication of the Cabinet Office report, "Public Bodies 2002". [99043]
§ Ms HewittI welcome the publication of "Public Bodies 2002", as announced by the Cabinet Office on 31 January 2003. Although the number of women holding public appointments has remained static at 34 per cent., the figures published are as at March 2002, and therefore do not reflect any changes due to activity since March 2002. I welcome the news that the proportion of those from minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities have increased (from 4.8 per cent. to 6.2 per cent. and from 1.5 per cent. to 3.3 per cent. respectively).
§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Minister for Women if she will make a statement on the regional seminar series hosted by the Women and Equality Unit in attracting women to public appointments; and if she will make a statement. [99045]
§ Ms HewittThe national outreach campaign to encourage more women to apply for public appointments included a series of regional seminars and events targeted at specific audiences. The seminars aimed to increase awareness among women, to provide support and to help women realise their potential. On-the-day evaluation showed that 91 per cent. of those attending reported that they were now more likely to apply for an appointment.