As 2018 marks 100 years since the first women were given the right to vote, Rachel Maclean, the MP for Redditch County, is encouraging Redditch women to attend an event to find out more about running for public office.
Hosted by the Fawcett Society, this special evening will include a cross-party panel session, workshops providing practical advice on getting into politics and public life, and an evening drinks reception with the chance to network and explore various exhibition stands.
The free Ask Her To Stand event takes place on Wednesday, July 18th from 5pm at Church House, Great Smith Street, Westminster, SW1P 3NZ.
Rachel, who will be at the event, is hoping as many teenagers, sixth formers and students from Redditch as possible will attend the event.
Rachel said: “As we mark 100 years since women were first given the right to vote, we should reflect on the great strides we have made in the fight for gender equality, but also how far we still have to go to reach full equality.
“The only way we can make politics truly representative of society is by having an equal number of male and female MPs. Men make up 50% of society, and women make up the other 50%, so it makes complete sense that Parliament should reflect this. However, even in 2018 this still isn’t the case.
“I am incredibly passionate about gender equality and I am a proud supporter of the 50:50 Parliament campaign. That’s why I’m encouraging Redditch women to attend the Ask Her To Stand event in Westminster next month. Even if you have never thought about going into politics before or you don’t think it’s for you, come along and find out more. I’ll be at the event to talk to women about how I got into politics. I will also be on hand to answer any questions and to offer advice to anyone thinking about going into politics.
“There are so many women in Redditch and across the country who are more than capable of going into politics, but unfortunately too many women don’t think politics is for them until they are encouraged to think about it. The Ask Her To Stand event will be a great way to inspire women, and ultimately it will help us to achieve the goal of a 50:50 Parliament.”
For more information and the event and to book a place please visit: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/Event/courage-calls-ask-her-to-stand.