MPs Debate Barriers to Women Standing!

Massive thanks Mims Davies MP bringing a debate about "Barriers to women in standing for Parliament" yesterday. It's great to hear MPs, women and men, from all parties saying that Parliament should be more gender balanced with phrases like it is “morally correct”, “a democratic imperative” and “a diverse Parliament will get better results”. In opening the debate Mims Davies MP said: “Although women make up half the population they are less than a third of the MPs in this place, so we must not rest on our laurels there is so much more to be done. I think as MPs we need to challenge and change the public perception of our role and make it more attractive for women to join us.” “ Women are very much suited to this decision making process. So we urgently need to reach out into our communities and tear down the barriers.” “We need to specifically promote this job to women who have never considered standing for election before.” “If we don’t agree on targets why are we so afraid of setting goals?” “Women must be given the opportunity to stand in winnable seats” The job needs to be promoted. Being an MP is “Wonderful opportunity to stand up for what is right” “How do we make it easier for those with caring responsibilities?” “Parliament...fails to set a proper example as an employer” when it comes to parenting. “It is time for us to be bold and look to update our Parliamentary practices so that we can...achieve parity” “It is fundamental for our democracy that we (at Westminster) really look at our diversity” “As politicians we need to decide is there a point that we should stand down, and allow our fresh talent to take up new issues, ideas and opportunities… are we allowing space?” Harriet Harman MP congratulated Mims Davies MP on her speech and said we have “Daughters of the women’s movement on all sides of the House.” She went on to address the need for parenting leave and proxy voting. Chris Bryant MP said that women MPs were a real asset at Westminster, they “adopt a different tone, initiate different debates and are more willing to work on a cross-party basis”. He suggested that the main barriers are financial, given that women earn less than men and that women experience much more vitriol and abuse than male MPs Dawn Butler MP voiced Labour support for the 50:50 Parliament campaign, which “aims to encourage, inspire and support political engagement!”. She also spoke passionately about the abuse that women MPs have received, stating that action needs to be taken to stop this. Angela Crawley MP pointed out that women very often need to be asked to stand, demonstrating support for the 50:50 #AskHerToStand campaign http://www.5050parliament.co.uk/askhertostand/. Maria Miller MP said it was not just up to the parties to ensure gender equality at Westminster, “The Government and Parliament need to work to make it happen” So 50:50 Parliament is making a difference - they are talking about it now let's look for ACTION. Keep asking everyone who believes in gender equality to sign change.org/5050Parliament. If you want to become a 50:50 Ambassador sign up here: http://www.5050parliament.co.uk/ambassador-form/ Thanks for making a difference, Frances, Brian, Hannah and Dolly & all the 50:50 Team.