Ellie Reeves MP delivering her powerful speech at Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament’s International Women’s Day Reception.
On International Women’s Day 2025, Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament brought political leaders and future changemakers together in the Speaker’s State Apartments to celebrate the progress made – and galvanise collective action for the road ahead. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, resonated powerfully throughout the evening, not least in the compelling speech delivered by Chair of the Labour Party, Ellie Reeves.
With personal reflections drawn from her time as an employment rights lawyer and working mother, Reeves reminded the room that progress in politics and society does not happen by accident – it happens because women fight for it.
A Powerful Alliance for Change
Chamber UK’s collaboration with 50:50 Parliament continues to spotlight the importance of equal representation in public life. With 263 women now sitting in the House of Commons – the highest number in UK history – it’s clear that change is happening. But as Reeves powerfully noted, representation must go beyond statistics; it must shape the culture and systems that underpin public life. She hailed, “We now have a female Deputy Prime Minister, the first ever female Chancellor, and a gender-balanced Cabinet.”
“Progress is not given to us – it is won. And it is won by us: those who refuse to accept the status quo.”
Ellie Reeves MP, Chair, Labour Party
Reeves shared how her career as an employment rights lawyer shaped her political journey. Working with women who were underpaid, sidelined, or sacked for becoming mothers, she witnessed daily the inequality still baked into the workplace. This experience sparked her decision to run for office – to change the rules, not just fight them.
Spotlight on Working Mothers in Politics
Reeves offered a candid insight into the unique challenges women face in standing for elected office. When she was first considering running in 2017, her son was just two years old. The decision, she recalled, was made possible because of the House of Commons nursery – a facility that only existed thanks to the tireless campaigning of Harriet Harman.
“Many parliamentarians had to give up one of their many bars to make space for it – and they didn’t do so quietly”, said Reeves.
It was a reminder that the seemingly small, practical reforms – like childcare support or proxy voting for MPs on maternity leave (introduced in 2019) – are what enable women to lead. These changes didn’t fall from the sky. They were demanded, fought for, and eventually won.
Celebrating Resilience and Pushing for More
“If politics is to be truly representative of our country, we must continue the fight to break down barriers to standing.”
Ellie Reeves MP, Chair, Labour Party
Reeves’ speech made it clear that while milestones deserve celebration, they should never lead to complacency. Despite reaching 263 women MPs, barriers persist – especially for women with caring responsibilities, those from minority backgrounds, and those without financial or institutional support.
As Chair of the Labour Party, Reeves reaffirmed her commitment to creating more inclusive pathways into politics. The message was clear: representation matters not just in numbers, but in experience, background, and in shaping decisions that reflect everyday realities.
Watch, Share, Inspire
Want to be inspired?
Hear Ellie Reeves’ full speech and more highlights from this powerful event on Chamber UK’s YouTube channel. Learn how personal stories and policy change collide to create a more equal future.
PLEASE WATCH, LIKE AND SHARE THE VIDEO: Chamber UK YouTube – IWD 2025 at Speaker’s House
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Let’s keep accelerating action – until Parliament truly reflects the people it serves.
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.