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Key recommendations
The EOC report makes three main recommendations:
1
Generalisations about ethnic minority women and Muslim women should be avoided
2
Identify what is working for employers in order to spread success more widely
3
Remove institutional barriers facing ethnic minority women who want to find paid work
Also … the government is to launch an investigation into what holds back women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the workplace. Minister for women and communities, Ruth Kelly, said the enquiry would be the next phase of the government’ s response to the Women and Work Commission.
Moving on up?
Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Black Caribbean women and work marks the end of the first phase of a two-year long investigation by the EOC into the employment prospects of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Black-Caribbean women.
A full copy of Moving on up? Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Black Caribbean women and work can be found at www. eoc. org. uk.
What they had to say...
“ The good news is that the next generation of confident, ambitious young black and Asian women have a lot to contribute to their families, to local communities and to our economy. The bad news is that not enough employers are tapping into this pool of talent – despite demographic predictions that suggest Bangladeshi, Black Caribbean and Pakistani women will make up, in some areas, a significant proportion of the workforce of the future.” Equal Opportunities Commission, Chair, Jenny Watson
“ This report dispels many myths and stereotypes about Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Black Caribbean young women- just like anyone else they want to get on in life – gain skills and have challenging and fulfilling jobs …. Just as the Women and Work Commission Report highlighted the social and economic costs of the gender pay gap, this report makes clear how as a country – as employers or in local communities- we should welcome this growing talent pool.” Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Ruth Kelly
“ I am a black Caribbean woman who is very proud of my origin. However, the colour of my skin has definitely been what has held me back. I did extremely well at school( and so are my daughters) and I have both my first degree and an MA, but I have been overlooked so many times for promotion. I notice also that it’ s the same for some of the Asian ladies. It is totally unfair and I can see why so many ethnic minority women are setting up their own businesses rather than continuing to work for an employer where they are not valued.” Sandra Jacobs, HR Executive engage ISSUE TWO 2006