Women key to unlocking growth says Minister for Women and Equalities

Women are key to unlocking growth says Minister for Women and Equalities, as groundbreaking figures highlight women’s untapped potential.

• UK economy could be boosted by up to £125 billion every year, as Minister for Women and Equalities sets out partnership with business on International Women’s Day (8 March 2025).
• Women’s economic inclusion accounted for 40% of UK economic growth since 2000 the government says.
• Government accelerates action to transform the lives of all women by breaking down barriers to opportunity since the election.

Striking figures show that women could drive £125 billion of growth to the UK economy every year, as the Minister for Women and Equalities sets out plans to work with business to support women in the workplace.

The analysis shows that women’s equality and economic growth go hand in hand, with the UK economy growing by up to £125 billion every year by a 5% increase in employment among women.

Since 2000, women’s economic inclusion has accounted for 40% of UK economic growth. Through our Plan for Change, the government will go faster and further to put more money directly into women’s pockets.

Since the election, the government has ramped up action to tackle the gender pay gap by:

• introducing better protections for pregnant women and those returning from maternity leave at work
• supporting women going through menopause with simple changes at work

We are also opening up access to childcare with further expansions of free hours and wraparound care so all families can benefit from these changes.

These measures have the power to not only increase the number of women in the workforce, but to increase productivity and innovation.

This International Women’s Day, Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities, said:

This International Women’s Day, I want every woman and girl to know that this is a government of change. I am determined to make sure every young woman, no matter her income, class, or background, has the best start in life and opportunity to succeed.

Women should not be held back at work by the caring responsibilities that disproportionately affect them, or insecurity after pregnancy or maternity. That’s why we’re tackling the gender pay gap with better protections at work and more free childcare, to get more money in women’s pockets and drive up household income.

We know that employers understand that when women succeed, so does business. That is why this government will work hand in hand with employers everywhere to harness the talent, creativity and brilliance of women in their workforce. Working collaboratively to support women will allow businesses to access untapped potential which can have profound knock on effects on the economy.

This will be done through initiatives such as the Women’s Business Council, Invest in Women Taskforce, and FTSE Women Leaders, which will find new ways for women to help grow the economy.

Women’s equality is a priority for this government, which is why the Chancellor has committed to close the gender pay gap once and for all. Not only is it vital to create the incentives for more women to continue entering the labour force, it will help drive further economic growth to help build the foundations of a stronger economy.

To break down barriers for women at work, we will deliver more choices for families, with further rollouts of free childcare, new school-based nurseries, and wraparound care in free breakfast clubs at primary schools.

Through our landmark Employment Rights Bill, we are taking the first steps towards requiring employers to publish gender pay gap and menopause action plans. The bill will also improve equality for women in the workplace, by introducing more robust measures to safeguard working people, including protections from sexual harassment, and enhanced rights for pregnant workers.