There is an old saying I will paraphrase:  if you don't apply, you can't get the job. Is there something wrong with women that they can't apply? Should we force them to apply against their will? The opportunity is there when women apply, they get the job ever so slightly more often than men (30% application vs. 31% of awards).

Stay out of it minister, FOCUS on real issues and stop trying to "force people to do things. They are big girls, they can stand on their own 2 feet can't they? If they are going to get these positions they betrer be able to do at least that or it is a waste.