The Government must practice what it preaches and do more to inspire the next generation of female business leaders – by giving more women key roles in the Cabinet, according to a group in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Prime Minister David Cameron’s reshuffle has seen several prominent female MPs demoted and has left a dearth of women in senior positions.
Angela Tellyn, who was behind the establishment of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Business is Good for Women network, said: “We have argued against quotas both in Government and in the boardroom but we have seen once again that women have been cast aside when it comes to prominent roles in Government.
“It’s odd – especially when Mr Cameron was suggesting earlier this year that quotas might be needed to get more women into the boardroom.
“Our view is that we need women, especially young women, to be inspired by others and that can only happen if they are given the opportunity to perform in high profile roles.
“That is what our network is all about. It’s not about the exclusion of men but a chance to show other women how businesswomen have achieved success and that the opportunities are out there.
“And, through our network, we have formed some great relationships with MPs such as Margot James and the Government’s Equality Office.
“The network continues to go from strength to strength and we will continue to do all we can to inspire the next generation of female businesspeople and entrepreneurs.”