An equal world

Public authorities in Hull have each published a gender equality scheme which sets out how they will meet their responsibilities to promote equality of opportunity between men and women.

At the ready: fire officer Vicky Shakesby	Women at work: retained fire officers Marion Collins and Mandi Hyde

In 1994 Vicky Shakesby became the first 'whole time' female fire officer to be recruited in Humberside.
It's a time she looks back on with pride.
"It was a massive step, but fortunately I never encountered problems at work because of my gender," said Vicky, who is now one of more than 30 female fire officers at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service.
Vicky's story is an example of how women today have more choice than previous generations, but more still needs to be done.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is just one public authority which has now produced a gender equality scheme (GES) to ensure men and women have equal chances in life.
Hull City Council, the city's largest employer with more than 11,350 staff, has also produced a GES.
"We consulted widely with the public to help us develop the scheme," says Alistair McClure, strategic equalities and cohesion manager at the council.
"It will enable men and women, as well as boys and girls, to have better and more equitable life chances and experiences."

The scheme will make sure that:

• men and women have similar opportunities in work, education, training, housing and leisure
• men and women can equally access Hull City Council services in ways appropriate to their needs.
• people are treated with dignity and respect
• fair and equitable opportunities are provided for both men and women to inform and be involved in the decisions that affect people's lives

Other public bodies too, including Humberside Police and the local NHS, have introduced their own gender equality schemes.
And good practice through the schemes will be shared and spread through the ONE HULL partnership, of which all public bodies are members, together with the private and voluntary sectors.