Last month, Chamber UK and 50:50 Parliament hosted a ‘Get Britain Growing’ event, welcoming newly elected MPs and highlighting the critical issue of gender representation in politics. With the most gender-balanced parliament in British history and the UK’s first female chancellor, attendees explored new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
This event was kindly supported by Lloyds Banking Group, a leading financial services organisation, to support the essential discussion on gender representation, reflecting their commitment to fostering inclusivity, such as their impactful work on the gender pension gap, and driving economic growth in the UK.
This article details Conservative Shadow Minister of State for Women and Equalities, Mims Davies’, speech.
Davies called for greater gender representation in politics. She emphasised the continued fight for inclusivity and fairness and highlighted the ongoing journey towards true gender equality. Her main message was that achieving a more balanced and just society requires the collective effort of everyone—both women and men.
Recognising the Power of 50:50 Parliament
In her opening address, Davies expressed her gratitude to 50:50 Parliament. She recalled, “The first time I met Frances she was basically running around PCH with bags and t-shirts with this on.” This personal anecdote underscored the grassroots dedication of the organisation. Davies celebrated the cross-party support that 50:50 Parliament has fostered, stating, “It truly is about women and the men who support women to be their very best.”
Historical Milestones and Future Ambitions
Davies reflected on her time in Parliament, marking the establishment of the Women and Equalities Select Committee in 2015 as a significant milestone. She noted, “It was the first time we had the women and inequalities select committee. So, the first time we could actually examine what matters to not far off 52% of the population.” This milestone highlights the progress made in addressing gender-specific issues at a legislative level.
Emphasising the need for more Conservative women in politics, Davies urged, “We need more Conservative women again… freedom, aspiration, opportunities are things that women are always fighting for.” She passionately called for greater female representation to ensure diverse perspectives in governance.
Addressing the Gender Pay Gap and Flexible Working
Highlighting ongoing challenges, Davies spoke about the persistent gender pay gap and the need for more flexible working arrangements. She mentioned, “There are 2.4 million more women in work since 2010. But this needs to be all across the country and this is about growing Britain.” Her remarks emphasised the importance of continuing to push for policies that support women’s economic participation and work-life balance.
Celebrating Successes and Encouraging Participation
Davies celebrated the increasing number of women in Parliament, sharing her pride in being the 380th woman elected. She noted, “We have now finally got 693 women over the line. Well done, 50:50.” This achievement is a testament to the growing female presence in British politics.
She encouraged more women to step forward, emphasising, “It’s so important that we are tackling the issues around gender pay gaps and flexible working.” Davies highlighted the unique perspectives women bring to political discussions and the necessity of their voices in addressing a broad range of issues, including domestic abuse and public health.
Final Thought
In her closing remarks, Davies delivered a powerful message of resilience and authenticity. She urged women to “stand up for what you believe in and have that fight,” regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Her call to action was clear: “Use your voices and always make sure that you are true to yourself.”
To watch the full video of Mims’ speech, please click below and subscribe to Chamber’s YouTube channel
