"You need the political will to get behind this to make the change. In 2006 Gordon Brown was persuaded to support funding in England to improve equality for women in work when it was revealed that the under-employment of women was costing the economy between £15 and £23 billion per year. The lack of spending power for women caused by working in jobs below their ability is a serious factor for government to consider," Baroness Prosser said.

The conference, 'Gender Equality and Skills Building; Practice, Policy & Partnerships', was organised by WOMEN'STEC in a bid to find ways to address issues facing women in Northern Ireland today.

"There is a perception that women are moving forward and that there isn't a problem anymore but unfortunately that is not the case," said Anne McVicker, of WOMEN'STEC.

According to the monthly Labour Market Report produced by the Department of Enterprise, Training and Industry, the gender pay gap has been relatively unchanged in Northern Ireland over the period 2006-2008. The report adds: "It should be noted that gender pay differences continue to exist for various occupational and industry groupings in NI, as evidenced by weekly and annual earnings trends."

Anne McVicker added: " Women still aren't paid as much as men; in specific sectors there are few females in senior posts and it is increasingly difficult to break into non-traditional sectors. There are fewer apprenticeships due to the economic situation and it seems that girls are not being given the chance to explore careers in areas such as construction, electrics, joinery and plumbing. We need to tackle these inequalities and ensure there is equal pay and equal opportunities for women."

Evelyn Collins CBE, Chief Executive of the Equality Commission, outlined the legislative framework on gender equality in Northern Ireland and emphasised the importance of clear government strategy to address gender-based inequality.
The event was also addressed by Department of Social Development director of Voluntary Activity Unit Maeve Walls and Dr Aodheen O'Donnell, chairperson of WOMEN'STEC.

The conference was attended by more than 70 people from political parties, private sector businesses, Belfast City Council, Invest NI as well as representatives women's centres and community groups.