Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, has hosted a reception for leading women in her capacity as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Women in Parliament.
Mims was delighted to be joined by the Minister for Women, Rt. Hon. Anne Milton MP, Secretary of State for Education and Equalities, Rt. Hon. Justine Greening MP, and the Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, Rt. Hon. Maria Miller MP - who all said a few words based on their experiences as leading female parliamentarians. Leading business woman Nicola Bannister also spoke about her experiences as Planning and Development Director at Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland Retail.
Mims said,
‘It was wonderful to see so many individuals from both Houses and all parties, and indeed young women from different schools around the country, in one place – along with some fantastic women from Lloyds Banking Group, who kindly sponsored the whole event.’
‘We have a lot to celebrate as we enter into the centenary year of the Representation of the People Act of 1918 – a piece of legislation that began the process of giving women the right and opportunity to vote.’
‘Our group wants to break down the barriers that might be preventing women from entering into Parliament, and I think it’s safe to say this year has had its challenges when it comes to the perception of this place as a welcoming place of work for women.’
‘But, I absolutely hope that we will take the opportunities given to us to support our female colleagues, to promote a healthy pipeline of future candidates, and to work towards representation parity across the House.’
Mims will be hosting a full range of celebration events as part of the Vote 100 campaign that will be taking place throughout 2018.