On March 10, 2025, a significant reception was held in honor of International Women’s Day at the Speaker’s State Apartments in London, drawing notable figures from various political backgrounds. Organized by Chamber UK and the 50:50 Parliament group, the event highlighted the strides made towards gender equality while illuminating the actions still required to foster more female representation in political offices.
The event, themed #AccelerateAction, featured several speakers who addressed the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by women in parliament. Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons, opened the proceedings and celebrated the record number of female Members of Parliament (MPs) - 263, elected in the last General Election. However, he pointed out that serious concerns regarding the safety and well-being of women in politics persist. Highlighting the risks of threats and intimidation, Sir Lindsay underscored the importance of initiatives that ensure the protection of women MPs and candidates.
Ellie Reeves MP, Minister without Portfolio, echoed this message, reflecting on her own journey into parliament. She emphasized the necessity for structural reforms such as proxy voting for maternity leave and the establishment of a nursery within the House of Commons, illustrating how these changes have supported female MPs in their roles. “Progress is not given to us, it is won,” she reminded the audience, encouraging all present to continue pushing for reforms.
Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, expressed pride in her Party’s nearly 50% gender balance among its MPs, stating, “We are nearly at 50:50, but the work is not done.” This sentiment was shared by Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, who remarked on a historic moment captured during an International Women’s Day photograph: a chamber filled with women MPs. Additionally, Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, spoke passionately about her role, stating that witnessing women excel in their contributions is an inspiration for aspiring politicians.
Lyanne Nicholl, CEO of 50:50 Parliament, issued a stark warning regarding the global rollback of women's rights, stating, “The global rollback on women’s rights is a wolf at our door. We must fight harder than ever to ensure progress continues.” Her words resonated throughout the reception, urging attendees to act decisively in promoting systemic change.
The event also spotlighted individual experiences shared by women in political life. Sonia Kumar MP, the first female MP for Dudley and the first ethnic minority representative of the constituency, encouraged women from diverse backgrounds to feel empowered to seek office. “You don’t need to have politics in your blood – you just need the passion to make a difference,” she said. Her perspective highlights the importance of representation and the belief that political involvement should be accessible to all.
Mims Davies MP, Shadow Minister for Women, discussed the scrutiny faced by women politicians and the significance of building strong networks of peers across party lines. “Once you become a female parliamentarian, you learn who your true allies are,” she remarked.
The discussions reinforced a critical notion: Women often bear the brunt of caregiving roles, making initiatives that support them all the more essential. Helen Morgan MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, emphasized the need for policies that recognize and support women balancing caregiving responsibilities with political ambitions.
Women’s health issues were also addressed, with Shobhna Ladva, Women’s Health Lead at Bayer UK/Ireland, citing alarming statistics on absenteeism relating to menstrual health issues, which costs the UK economy approximately £11 billion annually. “Urgent reforms to national health guidelines are necessary,” she stated.
Pointing to the disparity in maternity services and healthcare for women, Karin Smyth MP reaffirmed the need for more women in leadership positions across the NHS and the government. As the night progressed, attendees listened attentively to Cherie Blair CBE KC, human rights lawyer and founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. She cautioned that despite progress in the UK, achieving gender equality globally remains a daunting challenge. “We are nearly 300 years away from achieving gender equality globally,” she warned, referencing United Nations statistics, and underscoring the necessity for women to take action alongside men as allies.
Innovative solutions were encouraged by Mindy Simon, Co-Director at the NHS Innovation Accelerator, who called for long-term cultural shifts in educational practices. “What are we doing to open the eyes of young girls to what’s possible? Representation must start early,” she challenged, bringing the conversation to a close with a powerful call to action.
Overall, the International Women’s Day Reception was a robust reminder of the need for continued progress in achieving gender parity in politics. Susan Bright, Chair of 50:50 Parliament, warned of the permanent risk of backsliding into less progressive attitudes and emphasized the importance of continuous support and funding for the movement. As the event concluded, the collective sentiment was clear: the road ahead for gender equality in political representation is essential and requires unwavering commitment.
In addition to the UK event, local celebrations were also noteworthy. At St. Anne School in Sarnia, students participated in activities that showcased the impact of women in various fields, reinforcing the importance of recognition and empowerment among young generations. The school's Vice Principal, Mandy Guenette, remarked on the inspiring atmosphere, stating, “Celebrating this day as a school community reinforces the importance of recognizing women’s achievements while empowering the next generation.”
ATME College of Engineering in Mysuru held events to honor women’s accomplishments and promote gender equality, encompassing everything from cultural performances to educational discussions led by distinguished guests. Meanwhile, organizations like NTPC in Mumbai recognized their female workforce’s contributions and celebrated with awards, emphasizing a commitment to gender diversity in professional settings.
Yet, even at a global level, initiatives are being taken to enhance support for women, as illustrated by the European Union Mission in Armenia, which continued its commitment to gender equality through advocacy and community engagement. Goals include fostering environments where women can thrive and recognizing their invaluable contributions to society.
As the world reflects on Women’s Day, it's clear the collective action towards achieving gender equality remains paramount. Through shared determination and understanding, it's essential to reject complacency and continue to strive for innovative solutions that uplift women of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring equity for all.
