Inspiring Future Generations of Women in Westminster
2 min read
Women in Westminster: The 100 celebrates the achievements and the valuable role women play in public life, by recognising one hundred high profile women from the world of Westminster, writes Baroness Jenkin.
With a record 220 female Members of Parliament taking their seats in Parliament after the 2019 General Election, and the proportion reaching 34%, the highest of either Chamber to date, there is much to celebrate, as the UK moves up the rankings for female representation.
I am pleased to announce today the inaugural Women in Westminster: The 100, published by The House magazine.
Women in Westminster: The 100 celebrates the achievements and the valuable role women play in public life, by recognising one hundred high profile women from the world of Westminster.
However, the focus of this list is not solely female MPs. Inspirational, talented women are leading their fields across politics and public service; from journalists like Laura Kuenssberg or Beth Rigby, to Civil Servants such as Helen Bower-Easton, and activists like Nimco Ali and Amika George.
The 100 is therefore comprised of women who are not only influential in their own field, but who possess the talent and platform to inspire the next generation to make a difference whether in Westminster or beyond.
The judging panel, comprised of key figures with extensive expertise throughout Westminster, had a difficult job narrowing down a long list to The 100. Much rigorous discussion and robust debate ensued. In choosing, all of the judges were struck by how many women are rising up the ranks across Westminster, from the 2019 intake of new MPs, to the rising star journalists, civil servants, and policy wonks.
I would like to thank the other patrons of the campaign, Dr Caroline Johnson MP, Jill Rutter, Rupert McNeil, and Emily Wallace, for their support.
Women still face a number of challenges, both inside and outside of Westminster, but we shouldn’t lose sight of the huge strides made in recent years, and the remarkable women at the forefront of this country.
I hope this list will inspire the next generation of women to begin their journey, and those at the start to continue the work they are doing, and that we see many of them featured on The 100 in years to come.
To see the 2020 list, please click here.
The House magazine would like to thank Lloyds Banking Group for their kind support in enabling Women in Westminster: The 100 to be published and premiered.
PoliticsHome Newsletters
Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.
