A former Reuters journalist of 20 years, mother to a daughter who has autism and now politician, Women's Equality Party's Sophie Walker has had a wide berth of experiences when it comes to being a woman in the twenty first century.

We have already looked at what the party is promising in its manifesto , but now we wanted to hear the party's vision for London - a city safer for women, one that listens to the needs of all its residents and tackles what she feels is THE biggest issue facing the city.

But what about housing? "Well, it's all part of the same thing, we aren't just focusing on certain issues, but we're doing it in a way that takes women into account," said Ms Walker.

"On the housing crisis, everyone has an idea and each party wants to show their idea is the best, but in doing so, we're reducing the options and we can't afford to do that.

"We should look at forming a cross party committee and put partisanship aside."

'Parties should join forces to tackle London's housing crisis'

Naturally this led to the picture surrounding women, housing and the trouble mothers face where childcare is concerned, all impacting how affordable it is to live in London.

"There are a lot of factors which come into it, over 140,000 women in London suffer from domestic violence.

"It's a strain on the society and these women need help. We need to make sure they have somewhere safe to go."

Ms Walker explained how it is all these women who could contribute to strengthening the city's economy which in turn would make the housing cost more within their reach.

"So many women are unable to afford going to work because of the childcare costs, but then can't afford to live as they aren't working.

"Flexible working patterns have to be created, along with in house creches."

The party have plans to use the Mayoral budget to subsidise childcare costs , whilst also introducing training for those involved in childcare.

On the subject of domestic violence, it's not just crimes within the home the party are concerned with, as she points out how high up the agenda knife crime and tube harassment are.

"We are the only party talking about providing that foundation we need to support a modern police force which understands this issues" she told getwestlondon.

The safety of London's women has always been featured in the Women's Equality Party speeches, including their plans to introduce carriage-less trains so people can move away from unwanted attention.

This, coupled with better training for the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police are listed in their manifesto.

'We aren't bound by old-fashioned politics'

The party have done exceedingly well in bridging the gap between voters and politicians, holding gatherings, social media and panel discussions to discuss the needs of women.

"We are a young party, we're nimble and we aren't bound by old-fashioned politics" said the mayoral hopeful.

"Even looking at how we're crowd-funded, we're very much a grassroots campaign."

"It felt difficult when we were thinking about starting all of this, but now we are able to and in the running, we're seeing good progress."

The WEP has, in al its campaign work, pushed hard to put equal pay at the forefront and Ms Walker believes it is something they, above others, can make happen.

"The other parties are saying it's terribly hard, but if I get into City Hall, I'd publish everyone's pay in there, retention rates, their ethnicity, disabilities, all of those comparisons," she said.

"We'd lead by example and I think there is an understanding from companies that this needs to happen."

If it isn't improving things in the workplace to accommodate what women need, it is looking at transport across the city, which Ms Walker feels does not cater for those with children.

"Sometimes you'll see people with pushchairs not being able to get onto the bus or tube because there simply isn't enough space.

"They're competing for the smallest of spaces and the answer to that is we need to build better buses - and make sure they are greener."

But does addressing the needs of women alienate the party from London's male population? We asked the WEP candidate what the reception has been like for men.

"Lots of men are voting for us and joining the party because gender equality is everyone's issue," said Ms Walker.

"It's a mainstream issue instead of an afterthought and all of it is important for men too.

"For the millennial generation, men or women don't want to work all the time and not see their family."

With a steely gaze, the candidate admitted she had never intended to be a politician but got tired of being told to wait until her issues came first.

"Becoming a carer for someone with autism contributed to me realising how poor we are at understanding and embracing diversity, of all kinds - and we're poorer for it."

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