Government Equalities Office Policy Relating to Men 2023-07-12
2023-07-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The issue of including men on the list of Government Equalities Office responsibilities is raised.
If she will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of including policy relating to men on the list of Government Equalities Office responsibilities.
The Government are already taking action to improve outcomes for men and boys. For example, through the introduction of shared parental leave, men now have more opportunity to take time away from the workplace to care for their children. We continue to work closely across Government to embed equalities policies for both men and women.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked about including policy relating to men on the list of responsibilities but the Minister did not explicitly commit to holding discussions or adding this to the scope of responsibility.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Following an initial question, the questioner asks if there should be a dedicated Minister for Men similar to the one for Women.
I thank the Minister for her answer, but does she believe that there should be a Minister for Men, as there is a Minister for Women?
I thank my hon. Friend for his hard work in this space as chair of the all-party group on issues affecting men and boys. He knows—this is with my health hat on—of the work that we are doing to improve lung cancer outcomes for men, and about the suicide prevention strategy that will be coming forward; we know that middle-aged men are at particular risk. I reassure him that the Equality Hub has responsibility for both men and women to ensure equality for all, and I will speak to the Minister for Women and Equalities so that we can be clearer about how that work impacts on men.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked if there should be a Minister for Men but the answer did not commit to establishing such a role, instead highlighting existing efforts and reassurances.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Current legislation mandates sanitary bins in female and gender-neutral toilets, but not in male toilets. The Boys Need Bins campaign highlights the need for hygiene bins in men's restrooms.
Current legislation requires all public facilities to have sanitary bins in female and gender-neutral toilets. However, as highlighted by the Boys Need Bins campaign, hygiene bins need to be provided in men's toilets. What steps is the Minister taking to introduce legislation that addresses that issue?
I reassure the hon. Lady that work is going on in that space. My ministerial colleagues from the Department for Work and Pensions are looking at this, and will be updating the House shortly.[Official Report, 17 July 2023, Vol. 736, c. 9MC.]
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific steps towards legislation but the Minister did not provide a concrete timeline or commitment to introduce new legislation.
Response accuracy