Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what recent steps she has taken to encourage more women to stand for public office.

There are more women in Parliament than ever before – 208-won seats in the 2017 election. Women now make up 32% of all MPs - up from 22% in 2010. While we cannot be complacent, the percentage of women MPs elected has increased at every general election since 2001, so the direction is positive.

The Government Equalities Office (GEO) has commissioned qualitative research with women and men in Parliament, to demonstrate the range of experiences, career paths and skills that Members bring to their role, and to understand the information and opportunities that enabled MPs to stand as Parliamentary candidates so that we can identify the factors involved in their success. We will publish this work in 2018.

The GEO supports a range of projects through the £5m suffrage centenary fund, which encourage more women to participate in politics so that they have an equal voice in democracy. The fund will help build a legacy for the future while also celebrating the many inspiring people who campaigned for women’s suffrage.