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 explore policy options that work for women. We will spur mainstream political thinking which builds women’s interests in from the start, considers whole system change, and properly represents the richness and reality of modern life. Our work spans Public Life, Justice, and Mothers, and Others.
Our work.
Mothers & Others
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What do mothers want during the early years?
New project: Changing the conversation on child care: from what’s good for GDP, to what’s good for mothers and infants. Too little attention is paid to why women leave the workforce or reduce their hours after having children.
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SURVEY: Tell us what UK mums want
What do mothers want from the early years?
The Other Half want to hear what mums really want during the early years of their children's lives. We'd love to hear from even more of you following our 2024 report.
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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?
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?
Support us:
The Other Half is a non profit and we rely on donations for our work. We’re so grateful for your support.