Promoting gender equality

There are over three million women living, working, learning and caring in London. Their contribution helps make London a dynamic, energetic, diverse city. London has world-class opportunities for all and the Mayor wants to make sure that being a woman is not a barrier to being able to take advantage of everything that London has to offer.

Women in London face some different challenges, not only to men, but also to women elsewhere in the country. Women, especially pensioners and those with children, are more likely to be living in poverty. They are less likely to be employed because of the higher costs and lack of availability of childcare, as well as the difficulties finding part time jobs.

When women are employed, they earn on average less than men. The gender pay gap is wider in London than the rest of the country.

Safety remains an important issue for women. It is still the case that most reported rapes do not result in a conviction, and too many women’s lives are damaged by domestic violence.

The Mayor set out his equality framework for London in Equal Life Chances for All. He published his draft Gender Equality Scheme 2010-11 in May 2010 for public consultation. The scheme explains what the Mayor has done to promote gender equality and what he plans to do in the future.

Violence against women

The Mayor is tackling violence against women by:

• implementing The Way Forward, his strategy for tackling violence against women and girls,
• improving the services available to women and girls who have been subjected to violence, including investing in Rape Crisis Centres - see below,
• helping women and girls who have been subjected to violence get help - see the Know where to go directory - and support.

Rape Crisis Centres

The Mayor is investing £1.4 million between 2010-2013 so that London has four Rape Crisis Centres, one in the north, south, east and west of London. The centres were opened on 8 March 2010, to mark International Women’s Day.

International Women's Day

Every year the Mayor has marked International Women's Day, which takes place on 8 March throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.

International Women's Day 2012

International Women's Day 2011

International Women's Day 2010

International Women's Day 2009