Gender mainstreaming, underfunded care and a savings question
Demystifier
Gender mainstreaming: This is the process that integrates a gender perspective into the preparation, design, implementation and monitoring of policies, spending programmes and regulations. Its aim is promoting equality and it basically looks to push policymakers to challenge the male bias that is deeply entrenched in society.
What’s caught our eye
Gendered costs of the global fuel and fertilizer crisis
The war in Iran has caused fuel and fertilizer prices to rise and of course women and girls are bearing the brunt of it. This is a really interesting report if you want to find out more about how inequality plays out in different places, from Uganda to Pakistan.
Women across Europe face later cancer diagnoses and underfunded care
Although there have been countless studies and reports on how healthcare has been and still is male-dominated and male-focused, yet another report was clearly needed. At least it passed in the European Parliament but whether that will lead to any real changes is yet to be seen.
Women’s progress at work appears to be stalling
Women are apparently not “leaning in” anymore, but maybe they just don’t want to climb the corporate ladder and exist in a space that was built for men.
Your questions answered
Should I switch my savings account to the same bank as my mortgage?
This question came in as a follow-up to our newsletter featuring offset mortgages, so we thought we would highlight some of the pros and cons of this product.
Although offset mortgages can help you pay less interest on your mortgage, there are some downsides.
Offset mortgages are usually more expensive as lenders will charge a premium for it. You also won’t be earning interest on your savings. And your choice of lenders will be diminished as not everyone offers them.
But they can help you reduce your interest by using your savings. You still have access to your savings, so they’re not locked in.
It could be beneficial if you have a lot of savings and if you’re a higher-rate taxpayer, because you’re not earning interest on the savings, you won’t be paying additional tax. You also won’t pay tax on the interest that you save on your mortgage.
Here is a good guide to help you decide whether it might be beneficial for you.
Some of the lenders that offer offset mortgages are Barclays, Clydesdale Bank, Scottish Widows, Lloyds and Coventry Building Society.
Action of the week: This week will be our last newsletter as we will be taking a break for the summer. Please keep sending in your questions for September though!