This Saturday March 8th is International Women’s Day. Since this time last year, we have had our historic General Election result meaning that out of our 72 MP’s , 44 are women. Since the election they have all been working to create positive change in their constituencies and fighting the good fight for liberalism in the House of Commons. They are all fantastic and we are lucky to have such a dedicated bunch on our benches.
In local government we also see women doing brilliant things across the country. Leading councils and council groups in arguably one of the most difficult times that local Government has experienced. Some of you reading this, may have been eagerly ready to stand in the county elections but have had that opportunity taken away by the Government’s drive for “Devolution”. You will have your day. The new unitary councils, however they look, will need women at the table and I have no doubt that we will see some incredible women elected to seats whenever these elections happen.
ALDC’s Local Election Appeal fund has supported a number of women candidates in the run up to the county elections that are happening, and we look forward to seeing those women elected in May and the difference that they will make for the people that they represent.
There is a wealth of support and information for women wanting to become politically active, both from inside the party and externally. Over the past year, staff from ALDC and the national party alongside volunteers supported Elect Her working alongside 50:50 Parliament with their party political handbook which you can find here:
Elect Her and 50:50 provide support for any woman at any stage of their political journey with events and workshops, their resource hub and courses aimed at getting more women elected to all levels of Government.
Within the party, the Campaign for Gender Balance, chaired by the wonderful Candy Piercy, supports women who are looking to become parliamentary candidates. You can contact them if this is something that you would like to look into by emailing CGB@libdems.org.uk.
Also within the party is “Liberal Democrat Women”, the only official organisation for women within the party. I caught up with the Chair, Cllr Donna Harris to see what is next for the organisation. Donna said:
“Lib Dem Women have had an extraordinary first year with our new executive team and we are ready to take our success to new heights. As we build on this success, we’re excited to celebrate International Women’s Day at Lib Dem HQ with fizz, nibbles, a key note speech from Jo Swinson and a special guest appearance from Ed Davey.”
At Spring Conference, we’ll push key policy amendments to keep women central to the party’s agenda and host a Fringe Event on achieving gender balance in candidate selection, joined by Zoe Franklin MP, Victoria Collins MP, and Lyanne Nicholl, CEO of 50:50 Parliament. Our regular cocktail event also returns, and prior to Conference we’re running a public speaking workshop to support women’s voices at conference and beyond.
We are Looking further ahead, we’ll continue to inspire, support, and campaign through events, workshops, and policy working groups. Please do come and join us!”
This International Women’s Day why not ask someone in your local party or in your community about whether they would stand for political office? Or celebrate the work that women are doing in your area? Politics needs more women! Get involved