There's a reason why polls say women don't like you Mr. Cameron and it isn't school holidays.

"I’m not sexist but..." is how I imagine David Cameron started many debates in his youth, the way he and his party perform speeches, form policy and generally behave makes me wonder whether they experienced the last half a century. There are multiple reasons why women do not support the government as much as men (according to reason polls by YouGov, ICM and Ipsos Mori)*.

The way David Cameron addresses women from all sides of the house is simply astounding, constantly brushing them aside as if they are a joke. Take for example:

Or

Whilst I think Nadine Dorries' question was somewhat foolish there is no reason as to why David Cameron should be allowed to get away with simply dismissing her as a joke. This kind of behavior is deeply patronising and made worse by the fact that it seems to be targeted at women. This is as damaging as newspapers like the Telegraph publishing articles about cleavage in the house of commons ironically posted on the same day as the "calm down dear" quip.

It can be noted that David Cameron talks down to members of the house on a regular basis, rarely ever answering a question if it doesn't suit him and sticking to pre-prepared statements; including pre-prepared statements criticising Ed Miliband for using pre-prepared statements (oh how mature our house of commons is!). But it does appear that David Cameron's method of dealing with difficult questions or comments by female MPs is one of disdain.

Sexism in government is not a new thing, indeed our one female prime minister spent most of her time making herself more masculine; using a deeper voice to such a stage that when Spitting Image came round to representing her she was voiced by a man; Steve Nallon.

Our Government: Spotted the white middle class men yet?

Admittedly our government have identified in this leaked document some genuine reasons for why it's unpopular noting that the government has a very white middle class face with Lady Warsi apparently being pushed on as many PR stunts as possible as their token "Female-Asian", they've also identified that women have been hit particularly hard by the recession and the cuts; all perfectly adequate explanations. So let us assess the actual response drawn out in the letter...

- Decreasing the length of Summer Holidays.

- Introducing an all women business meeting in No 10
- Putting pressure on all parties to ensure women are standing in the city mayors/police commissioners, new positions specifically being set up by the current government.

These positions do not treat women equally to men, and are immensely patronising. These ideas do nothing to challenge the reasons why women dislike the government. Decreasing the length of summer holidays is pandering to traditional values, and has little consideration towards the effect on children and the relationship with their parents nor does it consider the economic effects and costs. All women business meetings will have little effect and, much like all women conferences in academia; will only further segregate women from the political processes and is, once again, targeted at the rich. The efforts to ensure women are standing for roles as police commissioners and mayors are simply an action to promote the conservatives own agenda and also to unload women onto less important positions.

Actions such as these will not improve the governments image for women, will not promote feminism, will not benefit women in any way. So David? going to try again?


* YouGov 17th September 2011: Female voting intention: Con 35, Lab 44, LD, 10, Other 11.
                                                    Male voting intention: Con 41, Lab 37, LD 8, Other 13
   ICM 21st August 2011: Female voting intention: Con 35, Lab 41, LD 16, Other 6
                                        Male voting intention: Con 38, Lab 37, LD 13, Other 11
   Ipsos Mori 15th September 2011: Female voting intention: Con 29, Lab 37, LD 16, Other 19
                                                        Male voting intention: Con 38, Lab 39, LD 9, Other 13