In the Speaker’s House this Monday, inspirational insights from diverse female leaders highlighted the urgency for gender equality in politics. Chamber UK, in collaboration with 50:50 Parliament, orchestrated an event that showcased the voices and ideas of women in politics. Chamber’s curation of voices illustrated an insightful exploration into the need for more women in the political arena. The event not only served as a platform for informative discussions but also delved into the actions required to make politics more inclusive. By providing a space for female politicians to share their perspectives and experiences, this event has provided inspiration for future generations, creating a path towards a more fair and diverse political future.
Quote Bank: Our Inspirational Female Political Speakers
‘Women are more likely to think about policy and government in an intersectional way because we know what it’s like to be voiceless, and so we strive to give a voice to those who are still voiceless’.
Carla Denyer, Co-Leader of the Green Party
‘Despite women making up 51% of the population, there is a gender imbalance in parliament and in elected bodies across the UK. As you will all know, while we have a record breaking 226 women MPs, the highest number ever out of an elected body of 650 MPs. That is still not enough. That’s what I’m trying to agree. Well, this is true. We have some incredibly talented, sharp, knowledgeable women already in parliament. We need more of you.’
Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, The Speaker of the House of Commons
‘Research shows that gender parity in governance means safer, healthier and more prosperous nations. I am in a hurry, and not just because I only have two minutes to do this speech, but because 50:50 wants to see a 50 50 parliament by 2030.’
Lyanne Nicholl, CEO, 50:50 Parliament
‘And chamber UK, with this year’s International Women’s Day and the theme of inspiring inclusion, just look around this room, we could definitely see that here in action.’
Jane Clark-Hutchinson, Head of Client Relations, Scottish Widows
‘I won in the first round with 70% of the vote. So these are not necessarily barriers. And actually, you should go into this with optimism, but the network helps.’
Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
‘Just having that collection of people who you can ask questions to, you can practice together, who can give you advice, who can light the path ahead of you, was so important.’
Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero
‘The sisterhood that brought me here taught me how to be a feminist, how to lift others up, and how to notice who is not at the table and make sure that we amplify those voices and give a platform to those voices. So that’s my commitment to you, to this pipeline of women coming through to parliament. My challenge to the women in this room is to be tenacious, be brave, be authentic, and be feminists.’
Ashely Dalton, MP Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities
‘I think the most important thing about having more women in your parliamentary party is we ask questions. We’re not afraid to say we don’t know something. And to get to where we’ve got to get to, we’ve had to ask the questions. We’ve had to challenge the status quo.’
Sarah Olney MP, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Treasury
‘And that’s the difference that women in parliament can make, because we can’t accept the status quo. The status quo has shut us out for too long.’
Sarah Olney MP, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Treasury
‘And I think so often at these events, we talk about the sisterhood you can find in your own political parties, which is great…nonetheless, you will also find friends and colleagues in other political parties. ‘
Anum Qaisar MP, SNP, MP for Airdrie, and Shotts
‘Working together, we will build an even better democracy. We will modernize this mother of parliaments. We will tackle the toxicity, we will rally respect for women who put themselves forward, and we will inspire inclusion. So even if we hate the hashtag, let’s together inspire inclusion, become friends of 50:50.’
Rt Hon Harriet Harman, KC MP
Final Thought: Why it is Imperative That More Women Should Enter Politics:
As we reflect on this event, the voices of female leaders underscore the need for more women in politics. This imperative arises from the unique experiences that women inherently bring – an intersectional perspective that gives voices to the voiceless. Sarah Olney’s insight showcases this urgency, asserting that the distinctiveness of women in parliament lies in their fearlessness to question and challenge the status quo. A government dominated by a single gender, risks overlooking crucial dimensions of societal issues, highlighting the necessity for gender parity. In envisioning a future of safer, healthier, and more prosperous nations, Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament advocate for the breaking down of barriers that restrict women from entering politics. The emphasis on modernising the parliamentary makeup by encouraging future female leaders to join politics, signals a commitment to better female representation and a more representative democracy.
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