Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to identify and remove barriers to women standing as (1) local councillors, and (2) Members of Parliament.

The Government has commissioned an evidence review to identify the barriers that limit women’s participation in national Government. The aim is to provide political parties with a range of solutions to draw on.

We are also developing a programme to inspire young women to be leaders in their communities, and develop the skills and aspiration for careers in public life, at all levels of governance. We will share more details in due course.

In November, the Government announced details of the £1.5 Women’s Suffrage Centenary Grant Scheme for projects to celebrate the centenary. Large grants of up to £125,000 will include projects to encourage women to participate in public life. The first successful projects will be notified in early April.