A CROSS-PARTY campaign to encourage more women across the UK to stand for elected office will be marked with Ask Her to Stand Day tomorrow.
Nicola Sturgeon, Boris Johnson and other party leaders are supporting 50:50 Parliament, which works with all parties and organisations to encourage equal representation in parliament.
Tomorrow, November 21, marks the 102nd anniversary of the Qualification of Women Act, which allowed women to stand for Parliament for the first time. Since then, over 5000 MPs have been elected but only 552 were women.
In the corridors of power, men still outnumber women by two to one which is why 50:50 are calling on men and women to ask women to #SignUpToStand.
Frances Scott, founder and director of 50:50 Parliament, said: “50:50 is here to help women progress in politics. We want Parliament to draw upon the widest possible pool of talent and experience, including that of the 32 million women living and working in the UK. To succeed in our mission, we need the support of men.
“I thank party leaders for backing our #AskHerToStand campaign by asking all women to consider standing for elected office. So please women, #SignUpToStand via the 50:50 Parliament website! 50:50 are here to help you take the next step along the path to Parliament.”
Helen Pankhurst, activist and author, said: “Women need an equal say and equal seats in parliament – the fight for representation goes on. 50:50 Parliament is working hard to support women candidates and are calling on a diverse range of women to #SignUpToStand.”
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