The Other Half is a new centre of research for practical, workable policy in the interests of women. Politics, for the other half of society.
The Other Half is a non-partisan think tank, based in the UK. We develop policy options that work for women. Mainstream policy has shifted from the mainstream. For the modern age, we explore the value of motherhood and care, the importance of functioning justice, and the routes for women to participate fully in public life.
Our work.
Mothers & Others
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Early Starters
LONG READ The totally overlooked story of England’s lowering of the school starting age. How Westminster changed childhood and ended the mum-run playgroup movement. Is this a clue to the loss of reading, collapse in school readiness, struggles of boys, SEN referrals and behaviour in schools?
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What do mothers want during the early years?
NEW Report: “Our government’s single-minded push to maximise the working hours of mothers has left today’s mums with no choice, no ‘balance’ and no village: just work.”
Today’s big policy offer to women is low cost childcare so mums can work more after a baby. But is that what they want? Polling suggests not. We wanted to know why, so we asked them.
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Essay: Childcare that works for women?
Essay: Thinking outside the box to address one of the most important issues facing women in the UK
Changes in the world of work have put women in a difficult position when it comes to childcare. Fewer and fewer families can afford to support themselves on one income: increasingly, it is necessary for both parents to have full-time jobs. At the same time, the movement of work out of homesteads and into factories and offices has meant women’s work can no longer be combined as easily with childcare as it once was.
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Women's perspectives on egg freezing
In a work culture where corporate funding of egg freezing is normalised, but younger motherhood is not, it seems likely that some female employees may feel pressured to freeze their eggs for the sake of their careers. Egg freezing may offer choice, but women risk damaging their health, and they risk missing the window to have a family at all. How do we ensure that a decision they make to freeze their eggs is in their own interests, not just the interests of others?
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Mothers Anothers - the podcast
This is a new series of interviews from the Other Half where we explore the reality and politics of motherhood and care.
Justice
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PODCAST: Assisted Death and Women
We hear from the experts from here and abroad on the ways that women will be most affected.
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REPORT: Safeguarding Women in Assisted Dying
Parliament is now debating assisted suicide for the terminally ill. This report looks at ‘assisted’ deaths here and abroad, to highlight the unacceptable risk that women are coerced into state death.
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EVIDENCE: 1400 Victims
Our written evidence for the Assisted Dying bill committee at Westminster. We estimate 1400 domestic abuse victims will die by assisted suicide each year, presenting profound challenges for our society.
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POLL and RESEARCH: Public overwhelmingly concerned about risk of assisted death to domestic abuse victims
19 June 2025: 69% of public concerned abuse victims could be coerced to die, and The Other Half warn MPs that HUNDREDS of victims may be assisted to die each year.
Public Life
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Sexism in the City: Treasury Evidence
Women Work and Inclusion project
Committee Evidence: The Treasury Committee invited views on UK financial services. Here is our response on what we think has been achieved and why we think the future focus needs to shift.
Key messages: Female talent is being lost, firms need to capitalise on post-pandemic working practices, and some diversity activity is mis-focused.
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Women, Work and Inclusion
Women Work and Inclusion project
New project: This major new review will identify how work can meet women’s needs in the coming decades. We are reviewing the inclusion work of the UK’s biggest employers, speaking with employers, employees and jobseekers to understand what is being done, what is working, and which challenges should policymakers and employers turn their attention to in developing workplace inclusion policy.
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Latest thinking on women and work
Women Work and Inclusion project
In development: Given major shifts in working practices and in women’s representation in the workplace, what is the current thinking on women and work? We’re reviewing the diversity and inclusion activity of the UK’s major employers to understand what women might be offered in the current workplace.
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Women's perspectives on egg freezing
In a work culture where corporate funding of egg freezing is normalised, but younger motherhood is not, it seems likely that some female employees may feel pressured to freeze their eggs for the sake of their careers. Egg freezing may offer choice, but women risk damaging their health, and they risk missing the window to have a family at all. How do we ensure that a decision they make to freeze their eggs is in their own interests, not just the interests of others?
Donate Now:
The Other Half is a non profit and we rely on donations for our work. We’re so grateful for your support.