Half of women in UK fear equality is going back to 1970s –survey

Exclusive: impact of pandemic has fallen unequally on women, leading to calls for strategy to restore balance

Women across the UK have issued a desperate cry for help", with more than half believing that women's equality is in danger of going back to the 1970s at work, at home and in society, according to an exclusive survey.

After a year that has seen women more likely to be furloughed, lose their jobs, carry the burden of home schooling and domestic drudgery, women are increasingly fearful about their futures, with almost half of those surveyed in a Mumsnet poll for International Women's Day expecting gender equality to go into reverse over the next few years.