Women's rights campaigners, business leaders and unions united in a call yesterday to end the low pay, poor prospects and sexism facing many British women.

Prominent individuals and organisations announced that women still face "significant obstacles" in education, employment and public life.

On the eve of International Women's Day today, Scottish Women's Convention chair Angela Tolmie said listening to what women "really want and what they really need" was key to tackling barriers.

The need for better engagement was demonstrated by a range of Women's Day reports showing women of all ages face discrimination.

A Unison survey showed that older women are working longer but are dogged by low pay and poor career prospects.

The 5,500-woman survey found increasing numbers working over the age of 60, with one in three over-65s still in full-time employment.

One in three had a caring responsibility, with few options for flexible working.

Unison assistant general secretary Karen Jennings blamed the situation on "the government's austerity agenda and the disproportionate impact it has on women."

At the other end of the scale young women entering work drop off an "achievement cliff," said renowned discrimination lawyer Elizabeth George.

Sixty-eight per cent of degrees gained by women in 2012 were a first or 2:1, compared with 63 per cent for men.

Despite this, women make up just 22 per cent of MPs and only 20 per cent of board members of FTSE 100 companies, while in any job a woman will generally earn 18 per cent less than her male equivalent.

Ms George called on the government to strengthen sex discrimination laws.

She said: "Through the reduction of regulation and greater limits on workers' rights, many companies are missing out on the brightest and the best because of ingrained prejudice at a managerial level which blights their business and the careers of those women within it."

More female role models are also needed, according to the Chartered Management Institute after it conducted a 1,700-person poll.

Margaret Thatcher and Mother Teresa were the only women named within the top 10 role models.

Chief executive Ann Francke said: "Without accessible, inspiring women highlighted in the public eye, it's no surprise we're lacking a pipeline of talented women aiming for top jobs."