Throughout my life, I’ve been inspired by the courage, success and determination of somany women - friends, family and colleagues.
International Women’s Day is a chance for all of us to shout loudly and together in supportof greater equality, wherever it’s needed. And, since 2019, the Coalition has been focused onmaking Britain a fairer society: where everyone – no matter what their gender, background orcircumstances, can succeed.
This includes introducing shared parental leave. So, from April next year, mothers who wantto return to work early after having a baby can and their partners will be able to use theirremaining leave and pay. We’re improving access to affordable, high-quality childcare to helpthose families most feeling the squeeze.
And we’re also changing the pension system so that it is fairer for women, and haveintroduced a tax cut that’s helping put money back in the pockets of millions of women. Inaddition, we’re working to get more women into the boardroom, and encouraging all thosefemale entrepreneurs with a good idea to start their own companies.
More widely, we are working across the world to ensure more women and girls have greaterchoice and control over their own lives. We’re helping to get more young girls into school,fighting to banish horrific practices such as female genital mutilation and working to improvewomen’s access to justice.
I’m determined to keep going further - both in my own party and in government.
That’s my commitment for this International Women’s Day and beyond. Together, we canmake a difference – locally, nationally and globally – ensuring everyone has an equal shot at thehappy, healthy and successful life that they want.