International Women’s Day

Lord Bishop of Derby Excerpts

Friday 6th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[The Lord Bishop of Derby]

My Lords, it is an honour to speak today, and I particularly look forward to hearing so many maiden speeches. I have been reflecting on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Give to gain”. A seat in your Lordships’ House is a powerful platform, but whatever voice or influence we may have, it is not for ourselves; it is to be used to secure gains for others.

Noble Lords will be aware that these Benches have made some progress in recent years toward gender parity. There are currently eight women on our Benches, soon to be nine—the highest number to date—and two former Lords spiritual. As the Church of England’s first female Bishop, I know that opening a door is both a powerful and a humbling act, particularly as we rejoice in the appointment and forthcoming installation of my noble friend, the most reverend Primate, our first female Archbishop of Canterbury.

I was raised in the diocese that it is now my privilege to serve as Bishop. I am fortunate to have been shaped by and now be surrounded by exceptional women. Women in Derby and Derbyshire are leaders in education, public service, health, business, agriculture and community action across so many sectors—wonderful women all, who give to gain, particularly to change opportunity, access and investment in girls, to change their futures, and therefore all our futures, for good.

Derby City has adopted the theme “city of pioneers” to reflect its prominent place in our nation’s industrial heritage, but the region has also been pioneering in other ways, not least in the place and influence of women. Our own House of Lords Library has estimated that it will take roughly 100 years to achieve gender parity in managerial and senior leadership roles. I am pleased that Derby and Derbyshire seem ahead of the curve.

My faith has inspired and enabled me to open doors for others, and it is a profoundly positive influence in my life, but I recognise that many women who give of themselves to support other women do so in profoundly painful circumstances. I thank the Minister for today naming the legacy of Jill Saward, as we mark the 40th anniversary of that heinous attack. Jill was the daughter of a parish priest in Ealing. She was raped during a violent burglary of the vicarage—her family home. We are very conscious of the risk and responsibility that our clergy—women and men—take as they give of themselves and their households to serve their local communities. Jill was the first women to waive her right to anonymity, and she testified in court. Because of her, as we have heard, the national debate that the subsequent trial sparked has paved the way for a monumental shift in the following four decades toward the survivors of sexual violence and influenced changes in the law, which, we hear, continue to be worked on today. I spoke to her former husband, Gavin, ahead of today’s debate.

There is much more we must do to end violence against women and girls. I currently serve on your Lordships’ Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Committee and note that many of my fellow committee members are here in their places today. I hope we can make strides toward a safer world in the recommendations we make to government.

Just over half the world’s population is currently observing either Ramadan or Lent, so it seems appropriate in this holy season of repentance and prayer to recognise how much further we have to go. Women have always been involved in struggle, embroiled in geopolitical events, at the centre of transformation domestically, locally, nationally and internationally, whether on the front line or in leading efforts in reconciliation and healing. This Lent, the Gospel of John reminds us that Mary of Magdala was the first on the scene, as witness to the resurrection. Amid and despite unimaginable trauma and suffering, she found herself responsible for the act of bearing witness. She summoned the strength to spread the word, share her testimony and pay the gift of good news forward. I trust that the many words spoken here today will translate into action for good as we give to gain.