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 and female empowerment 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 a speech made by Joeli Brearley, Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed. Brearley shared her personal journey, the importance of role models, and her vision for a more inclusive future where women can balance both motherhood and a fulfilling career.
Celebrating Role Models in Public Life
Joeli Brearley opened her speech by acknowledging the tremendous progress made in gender representation within the UK Parliament. With 42% of MPs now being women, she celebrated the efforts of numerous organisations led by women, such as 50:50 Parliament and the Fabian Society, which have been instrumental in encouraging more women to pursue careers in politics.
Brearley reflected on her own experiences growing up, mentioning how she was inspired by figures outside the political sphere, notably Neneh Cherry, a pop icon who embodied confidence and authenticity. Cherry’s unapologetic approach to her career and motherhood, especially during a time when the music industry was dominated by men, resonated deeply with Brearley. This, she noted, reinforced the idea that women do not have to conform to traditional expectations and can indeed “have it all”—a thriving career and a family.
The Need for Structural Change
Despite the progress made, Brearley highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in balancing work and family life. She recounted her personal story of being pushed out of her job when she became pregnant, an experience that led her to establish Pregnant Then Screwed, a charity dedicated to supporting women who face similar discrimination. Brearley emphasised that, while the increase in female MPs is a positive step, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women across the country can achieve their professional ambitions without sacrificing their roles as mothers.
Brearley called on the newly elected MPs to work closely with organisations like hers to remove the barriers that still prevent many women from fully participating in the workforce. She stressed that creating a society where women can successfully balance motherhood and career is beneficial not just for women, but for everyone.
A Vision for the Next Generation – Inclusive Growth
To conclude her speech, Brearley quoted lyrics from Neneh Cherry’s song The Next Generation, drawing a parallel between the song’s message and the current state of gender representation in parliament. She urged the new MPs to consider their position and the impact they can have on the world, emphasising the importance of taking their roles seriously to ensure that the next generation inherits a more inclusive and equitable society.
Brearley’s speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of role models, the need for structural change, and the potential that lies within the next generation of leaders to create a better future for all.
Final Thought
Joeli Brearley’s speech at the ‘Get Britain Growing’ event serves as a poignant reminder of both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the fight for gender equality.
Her personal story, coupled with her call to action for the newly elected MPs, underscores the importance of continued efforts to create an inclusive society where women can thrive both personally and professionally.
As the UK moves forward, the insights shared by Brearley offer valuable guidance on how to ensure that the progress made so far leads to lasting, meaningful change for future generations.
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