'Women: please, please use your vote on May 5th,' says Tania Exley-Moore.

3.12.32pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Apr 2005

Tania Exley-Moore has appealed to women of the Scarborough and Whitby areas to use their votes on May 5th.

'Women campaigned and some died to get us the vote. Men fought and died in wars to defend freedom and democracy in Britain. Please, please use your vote on May 5th.'

Tania makes the appeal on the day that the Liberal Democrats launch their manifesto for women, highlighting the fact that in the 21st century, woman still earn less and receive lower pensions than men.

'The only way women can change these centuries of discrimination is to use that most precious asset - your vote. Women are greatly affected by politics: childcare, healthcare, maternity provision, pensions, housing, the economy all affect women, especially mothers and pensioners and if you don't vote you get a say.'

'Britain is still an unequal country: women earn less and have lower pensions than men, a source of shame in a society that prides itself on being the fourth largest economy in the world.'

Liberal Democrat plans to reduce discrimination against women include:

• plans for a fairer Citizen's Pension - a system based on residency not National Insurance contributions, meaning women are not penalised for taking time out to be a carer or raise a family;

• plans for a maternity income guarantee of £170 per week for new working mothers that will allow women to start a family with less worry that they cannot afford it;

• a pledge to end tuition and top-up fees that disproportionately affect and deter female students who earn on average 15% less than their male counterparts after graduation;

• a comprehensive Equality Act to tackle discrimination at work once and for all.

The Liberal Democrats will also expand on their policies aimed at making everyday life easier for women and families, including:

• 3,500 childrens' centres by 2010;

• offering free personal care for the elderly, including washing, feeding and dressing, which will particularly help women who tend to live longer;

• scrapping council tax and replacing it with local income tax based on household income.