Yesterday marked International Women’s Day and whilst I welcome any opportunity to applaud and celebrate the work that women do every day in our community, we still face a challenge that isn’t going away - there are not enough women in politics.
It’s been over a hundred years since the Qualification of Women Act was passed, which allowed women to become MPs for the first time. However, of the 5,000 MPs elected since, only 600 have been women.
And, this is despite the fact that women are in the majority. We make up over 50% of the UK population, but still we are outnumbered two to one by men in Parliament and on our local councils.
This must change.
As the first female MP for Sevenoaks, I have used my platform since 2019 to address many female issues in the House of Commons. Women’s health, maternity safety, regulations to protect non cosmetic surgery procedures, women’s safety, women in war zones, domestic abuse, childcare – I could go on.
Having female voices at the top table means our experiences are heard and involved in quality policy making. Without us, these issues can slip down the priority list and become lost or ill informed.
As your MP I also have the privilege of working alongside many fantastic local female councillors right here in Sevenoaks, including Irene Collins, Irene Roy, Kim Bayley, Diana Esler, Dee Morris and Julia Thornton. Exceptional women who work hard on your behalf to represent their communities on Sevenoaks District Council.
However, if we are to continue to ensure representation at the highest levels, we must continue to encourage more women to put themselves forward for what I think are the best jobs in the world.
Men and women alike, need to support and encourage women to stand for elected office, so that the 32million women who live and work in the UK have fair and equal representation and a proper say.
We all know talented and inspirational women who would make a great MP, a terrific councillor or a brilliant Police and Crime Commissioner. They may be our neighbours, friends, colleagues or bosses. So, to mark this International Women’s Day I am urging you to #AskHerToStand.
The contribution women make counts, and we must ensure this continues to be reflected in politics. Otherwise, it is society which will lose out.
