We have an abysmal record on gender parity. Rwanda and Laos have more women in Parliament than Britain does. Businesses still are mostly run by men (though men created the financial disaster we are still trying to sort out). The USA has quotas for women in top jobs, so too do the Scandinavian nations. Britons hate the idea of positive discrimination - though that is what men have enjoyed for centuries. It's time to get tough, argues top economist Vicky Pryce. Provocations is a groundbreaking new series of short polemics composed by some of the most intriguing voices in contemporary culture. Never less than sharp, intelligent and controversial Provocations is a major new contribution to some of the most vital discussions in society today.