Helen Maguire BEM
Epsom and Ewell – Prospective Parliamentary Candidate“I want more women to grapple and overcome self-doubt and to work towards taking leadership positions so that they too can work towards making a better world.”
Helen’s Journey:
Here is my own journey from a hard-working family business in Sheffield to becoming the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Epsom & Ewell which, I hope will inspire you to get involved.
My background is nothing extraordinary. Raised in a hardworking family, my father tirelessly managed the family fruit and vegetable wholesale business. My siblings and I were the first in our family to attend university, breaking new ground for future generations. The political spark in my life was ignited by my father’s regular ritual of watching the 6 o’clock BBC news, exposing me to the unfolding events of the world, such as the historic fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.
The pivotal moment in recognising my leadership potential occurred during my gold Duke of Edinburgh award expedition in Snowdonia. As I navigated the challenging terrain, I discovered an ability to lead and motivate people. This realisation, combined with my passion for speaking on issues that matter, set the stage for a future in the world of politics.
University, where I studied French and German, became a crucible for my evolving perspectives. It was a place where my views were not only heard but also debated, fostering an environment of intellectual growth. My proficiency in languages opened doors to living, working, and engaging in charitable work across the globe, from Tanzania to Canada. These experiences exposed me to the harsh realities of life in some of the world’s poorest places, broadening my understanding of privilege and injustice.
Driven by a desire to contribute to humanitarian causes, I embarked on a career in the Army, recognising its role in post-conflict situations. Serving as an officer in the Royal Military Police in Bosnia and Iraq, I navigated foreign, culturally sensitive environments. Despite being a young female in tribal leader meetings, I found myself treated as just another soldier by male tribal leaders, challenging traditional gender norms.
Transitioning from the military to focus on raising a family and running a business as a charity fundraising consultant, I immersed myself in local campaigns. Becoming a Parish Councillor and chairman of a local charity managing a community and sports facility, my journey into politics was accelerated when I was asked to stand for these positions. This is a crucial point, as many women grapple with self-doubt, fearing the time commitment and questioning their abilities. Let me assure you, you are more than capable. If the thought of a leadership position crosses your mind, take the leap – the worst that could happen is not getting it, and that’s a small price to pay for the potential impact you could have.
The experience of women in politics:
My involvement in politics has always been spurred by a desire to address problems in my community and a refusal to sit idly by when faced with injustice. It led me to the decision to stand for Parliament, driven by a vision of a better future for my children and a belief in our capacity to make more informed, long-term decisions for our country.
The call for equal representation in Parliament resonates deeply with me. Without diverse voices, we lack a true representative platform to address issues affecting us, from violence against women and girls to the challenges of menopause. The question often arises – why do we still need International Women’s Day?
The stark realities persist – women denied education in Afghanistan, hidden misogyny in UK workplaces, men outnumbering women in elected bodies, and a mere 35% of MPs in Parliament being women. International Women’s Day remains crucial, providing a moment for reflection on our progress, acknowledging the journey ahead, and fostering a collective commitment to change. We aim for 50% female MPs in Parliament by 2030, a goal achievable only if more women decide to step up, stand, and make their voices heard.
Final thoughts: A reflection:
So, if you find yourself reading this and feeling a spark of inspiration, consider this your call to action. If you know a remarkable woman who could make an excellent MP, be the voice that encourages her to stand. The power to effect change lies within each of us, and the path to a more equitable future requires more wonderful women to join the ranks of political representation.
As we have recently celebrated International Women’s Day, let us not only reflect on the progress made but also commit to fostering an environment where women are encouraged, empowered, and supported in their journey towards political leadership.
To read more about Chamber UK’s International Women Day Event with 50:50 Parliament, and gain insight from reflections with our key speakers, click here.
