The 1990s

Early 1990s Same sex relationships increasingly accepted combined with a decline in discrimination against lesbianism.

1991 Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced that the separate women’s military services will be disbanded to be replaced by sexual integration in the military. The WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) now allowed women to serve at sea for the first time in the twentieth century.

1992 Labour Party pursues women only shortlists for selected safe Labour seats.

1994  53% of women in paid employment. 

1997 120 women elected to Parliament. These women were dubbed the Blair babes. They set about trying to make the institution of Parliament more female-friendly by founding a creche and making other changes.

Late 1990s Claims for equal pay increasingly successful, following a strengthening of the law.

By the end of the 1990s there were equal numbers of men and women in the workforce. Women were slowly beginning to penetrate senior positions in management, academia, law, the police and other public services.