Yesterday, Karin Smyth MP hosted a landmark reception in Parliament on behalf of Centenary Action, marking the launch of their “Mission 2028” campaign. This cross-party event brought together MPs, advocates, and leaders to celebrate a historic milestone: 40% of MPs in the House of Commons are now women. While a moment of reflection and recognition, the event was also a rallying cry to achieve a gender-equal Parliament by 2028—the centenary of equal franchise in the UK.
Speakers included:
- Helen Pankhurst, Centenary Action Convener
- Aishah, Girlguiding advocate
- Uma Kumaran MP, newly elected Labour MP for Stratford and Bow.
- Councillor Shazna Muzammil representing Shivani Raja MP, newly elected Conservative MP for Leicester East.
- Caroline Voaden MP, newly elected Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon.
- Ellie Chowns MP, newly elected Green Party MP for North Herefordshire.
- Ann Davies MP, newly elected Plaid Cymru MP for Caerfyrddin.
- Sarah Walker Smith CEO of Ampa and representing the sponsor She Rocks Business.
Celebration and Commitment
The evening was defined by a shared sense of achievement, as well as urgency. Helen Pankhurst, Centenary Action’s Convener and descendant of suffragettes Sylvia and Emmeline Pankhurst, reminded attendees of the progress made and the need for intersectionality in driving forward gender equality. Acknowledging the barriers faced by women with disabilities, Pankhurst called for reinstating the Access to Elected Office Fund – ensuring that people with disabilities have the funding they need to make reasonable adjustments so they can contest elections on a level playing field
This emphasis on intersectionality is crucial. Women are not a homogenous group, and achieving equal representation requires addressing the specific barriers faced by women from diverse racial, socio-economic, and diverse backgrounds. The push for reinstating the Access to Elected Office Fund highlights the importance of removing financial and structural barriers that disproportionately impact underrepresented groups.
Speakers from across the political spectrum shared their personal journeys and visions for the future. Uma Kumaran MP, representing Labour, reflected on the legacy of the Match Girls strike and the East End suffrage movement in her Stratford and Bow constituency. Shivani Raja MP, a Conservative, highlighted the importance of allyship and collective support in advancing women’s participation in governance. These contributions underscore how shared goals can transcend party politics, a key strength of Mission 2028.
A New Era of Leadership
Several of the newly elected MPs shared stories of resilience and solidarity. Caroline Voaden, Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, movingly spoke about the transformative power of women supporting each other, from her first election to her current role. Ellie Chowns, representing the Green Party, emphasised the importance of building grassroots momentum and creating strategic plans to achieve equal representation. Meanwhile, Plaid Cymru’s Ann Davies spoke of her non-traditional path into politics, inspiring others to recognise that it’s never too late to stand up for one’s community.
These stories reflect a broader trend of women entering politics from varied backgrounds, bringing with them diverse experiences that enrich parliamentary debates. The increasing representation of women signals a shift towards a more inclusive and representative democracy. However, it also raises questions about how these experiences can influence policy-making. Research has shown that women in politics are more likely to advocate for policies on education, health, and social care—areas often overlooked in male-dominated legislatures. Thus, achieving gender parity is not just a numbers game but a substantive change in governance.
The speeches were not only inspirational but also underscored the urgency of breaking down systemic barriers. Accessibility, modernisation of parliamentary practices, and more inclusive candidate selection processes were recurrent themes. For example, Chowns’s call for modernisation highlighted how outdated parliamentary structures, from physical accessibility to family-unfriendly hours, still act as barriers for many potential candidates.
Shared Responsibility
An important part of the evening’s message was the collective responsibility required to create lasting change. The sponsor, She Rocks Business, represented by Sarah Walker-Smith, reinforced the role of private sector organisations in supporting women’s leadership. Attendees were encouraged to amplify Mission 2028’s goals through social media and local advocacy.
Uma Kumaran MP closed her speech with a poignant reminder of the challenges women in public life continue to face, from online abuse to systemic sexism. She called for solidarity across political divides, urging men to act as allies and for women to continue breaking down barriers for the next generation. This solidarity is especially important in countering the pervasive misogyny and hostility that discourage women from entering public life. Creating a culture of respect and support within and beyond Parliament is essential for sustaining progress.
The Path to 2028 and Beyond: Exploring Equal Representation
While the goal of equal representation by 2028 is ambitious, it is achievable with coordinated action. The progress to date—from 32% female MPs in 2017 to 40% today—demonstrates that momentum is building. However, closing the gap will require sustained pressure on political parties to adopt more equitable selection practices, including quotas where necessary.
Moreover, the private sector and civil society have critical roles to play. Initiatives like She Rocks Business provide models for fostering women’s leadership, which can be replicated across sectors. Similarly, grassroots movements must continue to hold institutions accountable and ensure that diversity within representation is not limited to gender but also includes race, class, and other dimensions.
Centenary Action’s research shows that in order to reach a gender equal parliament there will need to be the biggest proportional increase ever in the numbers of women MPs elected at an election at the next General Election.
- The biggest increase at any previous election was 9% in 1997 – considered to be a real turning point election in the representation of women
- The data shows that at the next election there needs to be a 10% increase from the number of women elected in 2024 to get to 50%
Final Thought
As the evening drew to a close, one sentiment echoed throughout the chamber: “An equal Parliament shouldn’t be a stretch objective; it should be the norm.” Mission 2028 is not just a campaign; it is a commitment to honour the sacrifices of past generations while paving the way for a truly representative democracy. By standing together, amplifying each other’s voices, and challenging outdated structures, a gender-equal Parliament is not just possible by 2028—it is essential.
Centenary Action’s Mission 2028 invites us all to reflect, to act, and to believe in the transformative power of representation. The path ahead is challenging, but as demonstrated by the vibrant diversity of voices in the room, it is one paved with determination and hope.
For more of Chamber UK’s analysis on equal representation, please click here.
