The shadow minister is responsible for holding the minister for women and equalities, responsible for the Government Equalities Office, to account and is responsible for Opposition policy on women's and equality issues.

The post was upgraded to the Shadow Cabinet rank of shadow secretary of state following the snap general election of 2017, with Jeremy Corbyn indicating that if Labour win office at the next election, Women and Equalities will be upgraded to the full status of a government department.

Keir Starmer continued this pledge but ultimately continued with a Minister for Women and Equalities when he entered government in July 2024.

The position, since its creation in 1983, has always been held by a female member of parliament.

The position has been held by Mims Davies of the Conservative Party since 8 July 2024.