Young people who say boys and girls should be able to choose from a wide range of jobs still often follow traditionally 'male' or 'female' career paths. British fathers work the longest hours in Europe and many are prevented from spending time with their children. We must not think we've made it just because a few women have reached the top of their field and a few employers now offer their workers paternity leave. The reality of most people's everyday lives is still determined by their sex. The new EOC ad challenges the idea that having children needs to be problem at work.
Most people carry out a daily balancing act between home and work.
We want employers to help not hinder staff in their desire to be good parents as well as good employees. Until now women have largely been accommodated at the fringes of the traditionally male world of work and have had to adapt to those working patterns. We must support the optimism about the future expressed by the young people in these focus groups and ensure their eyes remain open to the vast range of choices they really do have. Sex equality cannot be achieved until it is the norm for women and men to be active across the whole range of caring and paid work responsibilities. The EOC was the first sex equality agency in Europe.