The relationship between child poverty and maternal employment is particularly strong (OECD, 2008). Research has increasingly emphasised the role of female employment on poverty levels, with high rates of female employment tending to reduce both poverty and inequality (Harkness, 2010). Employment rates of persons of working age in 2003; employment rates of mothers in 2002. Income Distribution and Poverty in OECD Countries, Figure 5.8, OECD Publishing, Paris, http://dx.doi.org/10.1787!9?89264044197-en.