Cllr Ann Holtom gives her support to a new campaign to improve women's lives

11.50.31am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 22nd Aug 2009

Cllr Ann Holtom: "The Real Women campaign aims to make sure women receive a fair deal."

Ann Holtom, Liberal Democrat councillor for Tyburn Ward, has welcomed the launch of a new campaign sponsored by Jo Swinson MP, called Real Women, to make a significant difference to the lives of women and their families.

As the campaign points out, women face pressure from all directions these days. Hit hard by the recession, trying to juggle family commitments with work and home life, it's easy to feel like you're running just to stand still. The media screams out an endless list of things still to do: get a bikini body in 20 days, plan the perfect children's party, how to look 10 years younger.

Despite great strides forward in equality, women still get paid less than men, and generally still end up taking more responsibility for childcare and looking after elderly relatives. This can be hugely rewarding, but combining this with a job can seem almost impossible.

In her life as a busy local politician, Ann sees the direct impact of these factors on women in our area. Cllr Holtom said, "There's a lot the Government could do to give a helping hand and it would be nice to inject some realism into the media's portrayal of women, instead of the suggestion that nothing less than perfection will do."

"I fully support the aims of this campaign to give women a fair deal at work and beyond, to encourage women to be happy, healthy and confident and to feel safe in our communities and in their homes. "

Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson is heading the Real Women campaign

You can read more about the Real Women campaign and the polices it is promoting by following this link: http://www.realwomen.org.uk/