Letter – “stark inequalities” remain this International Women’s Day

Jennette Arnold OBE.

We have come a long way since International Women’s Day was first recognised over a century ago. Many of the earliest battles, including the right of women to vote, obtain degrees, and keep their jobs after they married (yes, really) are now a given.

However, stark inequalities remain. In England and Wales alone, two women are killed every week by a current or former partner. Research shows that half of 16-18 year olds wouldn’t know where to get support if they were affected by domestic abuse, and 18% didn’t believe slapping counted as domestic violence. The NSPCC found that a third of girls in relationships aged 13-17 have experienced sexual violence from their boyfriends.

It is right that the government has finally made relationship and sex education in school compulsory, but it is a disgrace it has taken them so long to act. In a world where young men and women are bombarded unrealistic representations of sex and relationships online and in the media, it’s vital all can access comprehensive information which covers issues like consent and emotional coercion, not just contraception.

Jennette Arnold OBE AM
Labour London Assembly Member for Hackney, Waltham Forest and Islington