I just emailed the Women & Equalities committee about their EA inquiry:
Thank you for launching this inquiry into the EA and the problems with enforcement. I would like to submit evidence to this inquiry but I cannot do so if I have to either attach my name to my submission or not have it published at all.
The text reads: 'If your submission is confidential and you do not want it published please explain your reasons in the Additional information.' There is no option for people to provide submissions and have them published anonymously, unlike other recent and current inquiries.
You are asking people to submit evidence about their experiences of trying to enforce their rights under the EA. One of the prohibited behaviours under the EA is victimisation - i.e. treating a person worse because they have attempted to secure their own, or someone else's rights under the Act.
Victimisation is rife in all contexts where the EA applies. By requiring all respondents to publish under their name or not publish at all you are excluding those whose evidence you most need to hear.
Please remedy this situation as soon as possible by allowing people to submit evidence to be published anonymously and by making this option clear on your consulation pages and any other related media.
Kind regards