| Minister for Women and Equality | |
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| Incumbent: Harriet Harman MP Took office: 28 June 2007 |
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| Style: | The Right Honourable |
| Appointed by: | Gordon Brown as Prime Minister |
| First: | Harriet Harman MP (as Minister for Women) |
| Formation: | 1997-1998 |
| United Kingdom |
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The Minister for Women was a ministerial position in the United Kingdom.
Following Gordon Brown expanding the portfolio the position was retitled Minister for Women and Equality. It was expected that this role would be given the title Secretary of State for Equalities, however the legal responsibilities were given to Harriet Harman in her existing position as Lord Privy Seal. On 12 October 2007[1] a new department, the Government Equalities Office was created, which supported the position.
The position has responsibility for addressing all forms of discrimination, but with particular emphasis on gender inequality. The under-representation of Women in Parliament means that 'Minister for Women' has been retained as part of the title to ensure their views are considered in government.[2].
There is currently no corresponding position of Minister for Men, although a request has been made in the House of Lords for a minister to work on areas specific to men.[3] Solicitor General for England and Wales Vera Baird works in Government Equalities Office working primarily on the governments flagship "Equalities" bill.
| Junior Minister | Cabinet Minister | |
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| 1997-98 | Joan Ruddock | Harriet Harman |
| 1998-01 | Tessa Jowell | Baroness Jay |
| 2001 | Baroness Morgan of Huyton | Patricia Hewitt |
| 2001-03 | Barbara Roche | Patricia Hewitt |
| 2003-05 | Jacqui Smith | Patricia Hewitt |
| 2005-06 | Meg Munn | Tessa Jowell |
| 2006-07 | Meg Munn | Ruth Kelly |
| Parliamentary Secretary | Minister of State | Cabinet Minister | |
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| 2007-08 | vacant | Barbara Follett | Harriet Harman |
| 2008- | Michael Foster | Maria Eagle | Harriet Harman |
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