International Widows Day

Earl of Listowel Excerpts

Wednesday 15th June 2011 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, I accept that the question is very important; I need to take it away and write to the noble Baroness in response.

[The Earl of Listowel]

My Lords, does the Minister recognise that in bringing up children an important problem for many mothers, including widows, is finding good male role models, perhaps particularly for their sons? Will she take this opportunity to pay tribute to the men who step into those roles, particularly male school teachers and perhaps male physical education teachers?

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, the noble Earl is absolutely right. Issues regarding gender will never be resolved unless we take on board the important work and commitment undertaken by both men and women. I completely accept what the noble Earl says. By and large, we are trying to work closely to ensure that the engagement is not just with women and girls but with boys and men too.