International Women’s Day

I’m proud to be a woman in Parliament. During my time of service in the House of Commons, I’ve seen growing equality, and on this International Women’s Day I join with women and men around the globe who want to make more progress towards inclusive representation in public life.

 

When I was first elected, only 20% of candidates for Parliament were women. Today, 225 have been chosen by their communities, making up a third of the Commons. More to do, but add that in the last few years alone, we have seen an equal number of women as men taking on the top job, as Prime Minister. We are also seeing great Ministers like Michelle Donelan, a woman pregnant with her first child, promoted in priority roles. Today, I believe gender is no bar to achievement in British politics.

 

My experience has been a positive, productive one where - woman or man - we are able to get things done for the people we represent. I’ve taken maternity leave twice while an MP and a Minister, and had successful treatment for breast cancer, and on top of more traditional achievements, I know that sharing these experiences also helps my constituents.

 

Discussing on Times Radio at 6.30 on Wednesday, I argue that we should use progress as a platform to help others. Around the world, we remain an example of a strong democracy. One of the aspects of Parliamentary work that I’ve personally enjoyed the most is sharing ideas between Parliamentarians and activists in Africa, Asia and Europe. All democracies strive to reflect the communities they serve, and this means that people from all walks of life must be included.

 

Gender, age, disability, background, way of thinking and many other strands of diversity - just as many companies realise that they need a range of talent to succeed, so do countries.

 

So I support the celebration on International Women’s Day of the economic, social, cultural and political advancement of women around the world, and the practical steps that can be taken to #embraceequity and make equality a reality.

 

PS Later this month, I’ll be joining the Centenary Action Group, Elect Her and the Disability Policy Centre for a panel event seeking to make progress in disabled representation in Parliament. If, like me, you are thinking about inclusive representation on this IWD, I’ll see you there on 28th March.