Lyanne Nicholl, Chief Executive of 50:50 Parliament, addressing the International Women’s Day Reception the organisation co-hosted with Chamber UK.
A Powerful Alliance for Change
Hosted by Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament, the International Women’s Day 2025 reception gathered a cross-party coalition of MPs, candidates, campaigners, and supporters determined to #AccelerateAction on gender equality in public life. For Lyanne Nicholl and Susan Bright, who lead the movement from the front, the evening was a celebration – but also a clear-eyed reckoning with what remains to be done.
Spotlight on Milestones – and the Risk of Regression
Nicholl reflected on the genuine achievement of reaching 40% representation in Parliament and celebrated the success of the 50:50 community – with 101 women standing and 25 elected at the last general election. But she reminded the audience that it took 106 years to get this far – and there is no guarantee of progress continuing.
“40% is not 50%, and there is a real possibility that women’s representation could go backwards for the first time since 1918”, said Nicholl.
50:50 is working hard to ensure that does not happen, by flooding the system with diverse, brilliant women, and tackling the structural and cultural barriers that prevent many from standing.
Women’s Voices, Women’s Leadership
“We are living through peculiar and, frankly, scary times…The global rollback on women’s rights is a wolf at our door.”
Lyanne Nicholl, Chief Executive, 50:50 Parliament
Both speakers passionately argued that women’s leadership is not just good for women – it is good for everyone.
“We know that peace deals last longer. That climate treaties are more likely to be ratified. That education and healthcare are prioritised when women are in leadership.”
Lyanne Nicholl, Chief Executive, 50:50 Parliament
Drawing from personal experience, Susan Bright spoke about her journey to becoming Chair of 50:50 – from hearing stories of the suffragettes as a child, to becoming a partner in a global law firm, where she was often the only woman in the room.
“As more women entered that room, the quality of the discussion changed. The quality of decision-making changed. And that matters – especially here in Parliament”, said Bright.
Breaking Barriers, Building the Movement
“Shout about 50:50’s mission from the rooftops. Become a friend. Become a supporter.”
Lyanne Nicholl, Chief Executive, 50:50 Parliament
Bright reminded attendees that, despite appearances, 50:50 is a tiny organisation. With no office, no full-time staff, and no dedicated marketing team, the movement continues to thrive thanks to part-time staff, volunteers, and a shared mission.
“This is your movement too. If we want to flood the system with even more brilliant women… we need continued financial support”, Bright requested.
With less than 1% of global development funding going to women’s organisations, she urged the room to consider what they could give – time, money, mentorship, or platform – to keep momentum alive.
A Collective Call to Action
The evening ended not with warnings, but with a shared sense of determination – and a call to every person in the room to be part of the solution.
“We need women at the table – not just to talk about so-called ‘women’s issues’, but to shape all policy, across all areas.”
Susan Bright, Chair, 50:50 Parliament
And with characteristic warmth and humility, Bright paid tribute to her husband – a quiet yet constant ally. “Malcolm – thank you for being a fantastic male ally”, said Bright.
Watch, Share, Inspire
Inspired by the leadership of Lyanne Nicholl and Susan Bright?
Watch their full speeches from Speaker’s House and discover why women’s representation in Parliament matters – not just as a goal, but as a foundation for a fairer, more effective democracy.
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Bayer has provided sponsorship funding, which supported logistics and materials for this event. Chamber maintained complete editorial control for the event and outputs.
Bicycle Therapeutics also provided sponsorship support, ensuring the success of the evening while allowing the organisers full independence over content and discussions.