Sophie Walker, London Mayoral candidate handed the Treasury a ‘cheque’ for £50 billion today, symbolising the boost that women could provide to the capital’s economy if they could unlock their potential.
Speaking from HM Treasury, Walker said, “This sum represent the amount we could inject into London’s economy if we unlocked women’s true potential. If women were able to work the hours they want to, for the same pay as men, then London’s economy would boom – for the benefit of everyone in this city.”
Women in London are more likely than anywhere else in the UK to be out of work and living in poverty. Standing at 23%, the city’s pay gap is bigger than the national average, childcare costs are on average a third higher, has the highest sexual violence rates and the highest levels of child poverty.
Walker is currently on a campaign trail for the London Mayor elections for which she is standing. In an interview with WeAreTheCity, she mapped out her plans if she is elected including harnessing the potential of the four million women in London.
Outside the Treasury, Walker continued in the same vein, saying, “I will transform London’s economy by giving women the chance to do the jobs they want to do, at the same rate of pay as men, and to work flexibly. That mean businesses can grow faster and more productively.”
“I’m meeting CEOs and entrepreneurs from across the capital who are keen to work with me to make change happen, and make it happen faster. We are not making the most of women’s potential, and that harms us all”
“This city has four million women, and as Mayor I will put their needs first so that everyone benefits. My plans for pay transparency, affordable childcare, flexible working and stronger anti-discrimination processes will build a fairer, better London everyone.”
