women's equality party launched today

This is great. From what I gather, the WEP in Sweden hasn't managed to gain any seats in parliament, but that's not the whole point.

With increased pressure group power, and marginal influence, they can still hope to make a difference to mainstream politics.

Current parties are only conserned about 1% of the population. Women as a 50% of the population group, need better representation.

I am completely behind publishing pay, particularly the pay gap between top and lowest wages. This has been inforced in America. Our WEP party could work alongside other more established parties to pressure on certain policies.

Catherine explained they are happy for a Tory, lib dem or Labour politician to also rep WEP. They won't stand against someone who shares their six policies, you can stand for other policies along side theirs.

Have to say, I heard them mentioned on Question Time and I did add my name to the mailing list.

With the current system I don't think they have a hope in hell, but I'll definitely be watching with interest.

I went with my daughter to the WEP Youth event, during the summer. I was impressed. Catherine Mayer was on our table and said she was inspired by ukip changing main party political agenda. I won't say who to protect her privacy as she has been through a lot, there is a VERY well connected youth running that branch, she didn't tell the others her last name, I just recognised her. I hope they shake things up.

Sorry, SilverOldie, but I know the leader. She's no "Middle Class Media lovey with no interest in equality but feminist superiority"

She's a bloody intelligent, hard working mum. To be honest I think I'm far more militant than her and I'm just your run of the mill, everyday feminist.

Middle class media lovies with no interest in equality but feminist superiority.

Oh but if you make a 250 pound donation you get a free copy of Toksvig’s book and a 5,000 pound donation nets you dinner with her. Tacky or what?

I am female and 100% support equality but not this drivel and any party which is only concerned with 50%(ish) of the population is obviously a non starter.

An interesting article here, it is bound to get support, early days methinks.

"Women's Equality Party": Ukip for women? Maybe that's not such a bad thing after all

Today, the Women's Equality Party revealed practical measures aimed at tackling gender equality. Cathy Newman listened with interest

www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-politics/11942881/Womens-Equality-Party-policy-launch-Womens-Ukip-Thats-not-so-bad.html

"Women's Equality Party policies at a glance"

• Gender pay: WE will require companies with more than 250 employees to publish an annual report covering women and men’s pay, employment status and working hours. To be extended to businesses with more than 50 employees.
• Childcare: government-funded childcare available from end of paid parental leave at nine months. First 15 hours a week free, the rest payable at £1 an hour.
• Equal parenting: parental leave to guarantee both parents six weeks away from work on 90 per cent of pay.
• Violence against women: Restore legal aid for all cases involving domestic violence.
• Equal representation: Ensure 66 per cent of candidates replacing retiring MPs and 66 per cent of other candidates are women. Grant 75 per cent of new peerages to women.