The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP addressing allies at Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament’s International Women’s Day Reception.
On International Women’s Day 2025, Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament brought together parliamentarians, campaigners and candidates in the Speaker’s State Apartments to celebrate women’s representation and demand continued action. The theme, #AccelerateAction, was brought to life by Caroline Nokes MP, one of three female Deputy Speakers, who delivered a heartfelt and pragmatic call to action.
Alongside Sonia Kumar MP, Nokes kindly hosted the annual event in Speaker’s State Apartments.
A Powerful Alliance for Change
As one of the first all-female line-up of Deputy Speakers, Nokes highlighted how far Parliament has come – and how much further there is to go. With women now making up 40% of MPs, she acknowledged that this represents significant progress but reminded the audience: “It’s still not 50.”
Nokes told a supportive gathering, “100% female Deputy Speakers is a target worth aiming for!”
She emphasised that real representation is not just about who gets elected – it’s about who is heard. With her unique perspective chairing debates and statements in the House of Commons, she praised the calibre of new female MPs and how they are shaping discussions not just visually, but vocally.
Spotlight on Representation and Risk
“We all face scrutiny, criticism – and at times, abuse and threats. But alongside all of that comes the immense privilege of serving others.”
Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Deputy Speaker, House of Commons
While much of the day was celebratory, Nokes didn’t shy away from the risks of complacency. “There’s always the risk of slipping backwards,” she warned, urging women not just to aspire to office, but to stand for it. Her message was a reminder that progress is fragile unless constantly defended.
She also reflected on what it means to hold the role of Deputy Speaker. “For two hours each day, you chair debates… and get to see all of our brilliant new colleagues in action.” And while the uniform for Deputy Speakers may be exclusively black, she added with a smile that the House is far more vibrant than it used to be – not only in appearance, but in contributions.
“They [women parliamentarians] are shining – not just in numbers, not just in photographs, but in contributions. And that’s where it truly matters”, said Nokes.
Celebrating Courage and Collective Strength
Although Nokes did not get to speak in the International Women’s Day debate in Parliament herself – owing to the fact she is precluded from contributing to debates as Deputy Speaker – she used that time to reflect on women who have made a global impact – from Gisele Pellicci speaking out with courage, to Keely Hodgkinson breaking records in sport while embodying the resilience of women in public life.
Praising Hodkinson’s achievements, Nokes said, “She’s not just a golden girl in terms of medals – but in the way she embraced the challenge that comes with being a woman in public life.”
These role models, she said, serve as examples of how women across sectors are standing tall in the face of adversity – and why it is vital for Parliament to reflect that same strength and diversity.
Supporting Candidates: Strength in Numbers
Her closing message was direct: the more women who enter public life, the more resilient and representative our democracy becomes. “When we reach critical mass, there is strength in our numbers”, she said.
She challenged the audience to push for more, to get to 50% – and perhaps, next time, to reach 100% female Deputy Speakers again. In a call for action, she said, “And I look forward to seeing all of you – hopefully still from the position of Deputy Speaker – in the next Parliament.”
Watch, Share, Inspire
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Watch Caroline Nokes MP and others at this powerful International Women’s Day event hosted by Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament. Hear from women shaping Parliament today – and tomorrow.
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Let’s keep accelerating action – until Parliament truly reflects the people it serves.
Bayer has provided sponsorship funding, which supported logistics and materials for this event. Chamber maintained complete editorial control for the event and outputs.
Bicycle Therapeutics also provided sponsorship support, ensuring the success of the evening while allowing the organisers full independence over content and discussions.