Equal pay audits should be introduced to wipe out the gap between men and women's earnings in Northern Ireland, the Government was urged today.
The nationalist SDLP issued the call in its election charter for women which was launched by party chair Patricia Lewsley.
The party also vowed to minimise the burden on business by timing the introduction of equal pay audits with fair employment reviews.
The SDLP's charter also demanded:
The secure implementation of an effective gender equality strategy, addressing in particular the issue of childcare.
An effective Single Equality Bill to harmonise protection against discrimination and guarantee equality for all groups.
The development of high quality, affordable childcare schemes in partnership with the community and voluntary sector, the commercial child-minding sector and employers. This would help community groups become self-sustaining while meeting the needs of parents who cannot afford to work due to childcare costs.
The implementation and improvement of the Valuing Carers Strategy, with research on the levels and types of need including those of elderly and young carers as well as the appointment of a named contact, support person to advise and assist on accessing benefits and services.
Support for women in agriculture groups, acknowledging the key roles they play in farming.
Opposition to water metering and charges, which would disproportionately affect single parent families and therefore hit women hardest.
The expansion of rural transport initiatives including community taxis and rural rover buses. This is particularly important for women working in the home as well as families without a car.
Secure additional financial support for students with dependants, who are more likely to be female than male.
Improvements in flexible working in the health service to meet modern standards and encourage young parents back to work for the NHS.
The launch was attended by four leading politicians from the Irish Republic.
Irish Labour deputy leader Liz McManus, Progressive Democrat TD Liz O'Donnell, Fianna Fail Senator Mary O'Rourke and Fine Gael Senator Sheila Terry all lent their support.
Ms Lewsley, who is contesting the Lagan Valley constituency in next week's General Election, stressed the need for a strong female voice in politics.
"It is important that women's voices are heard," she said.
"Through our darkest years many women bore the brunt of the violence that afflicted our society.
"Many women, from all parties and none, showed the way in calling for an end to violence and in their pioneering efforts to achieve peace.
"The need for a strong voice for women is as relevant today as it ever was. That is why the SDLP has developed its own Women's Charter, which has at its core the need to secure implementation of an effective gender equality strategy, addressing in particular the issue of childcare."
PA