At the intersection of business and politics lies a powerful opportunity: to champion gender equality not just in boardrooms, but in the very institutions that shape our society. As co-creators of She Rocks Business, Cooper Parry and Shakespeare Martineau think that equal representation is not a niche issue — it’s a necessity. That’s why we were proud to attend the recent Centenary Action event on 1st July at Portcullis House, hosted in partnership with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Women in Parliament.
Bronagh from Cooper Parry represented She Rocks Business at this inspiring gathering, which brought together MPs, campaigners, and supporters to reflect on progress and galvanise action toward a gender-equal Parliament by 2028 — the centenary of equal suffrage in the UK.
A Cross-Party Commitment to Change
Chaired by Dawn Butler MP, Co-Chair of the APPG Women in Parliament, the event featured a dynamic cross-party panel including:
- Seema Malhotra MP (Labour)
- Mims Davies MP (Conservative)
- Ellie Chowns MP (Green Party)
- Kirsty Blackman MP (SNP)
- Llinos Medi MP (Plaid Cymru)
- A Liberal Democrat representative (TBC)
Despite political differences, one message rang clear: supporting women in politics is a shared priority. From Labour to the Greens, parties are making strides toward gender parity, but the journey is far from over. Women hold 40% of the seats in the House of Commons. This translates to 263 female MPs out of a total of 650. The highest percentage of female representation in the House of Commons to date.
The Barriers Still Standing
The panellists spoke candidly about the challenges women face when entering politics. From online abuse to systemic biases, the path to Parliament can be daunting. One Welsh MP shared her powerful story of overcoming homelessness while raising two children — a testament to resilience and a reminder that representation matters. Her journey is a beacon for other women who may feel politics is out of reach.
Helen Pankhurst CBE, Centenary Action Convener and great-granddaughter of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, closed the event with a rallying call around the need for change. Her words underscored the importance of a united, cross-party approach to dismantling barriers and building a more inclusive political landscape.
Why Representation Matters
Representation isn’t just about numbers — it’s about impact. Women bring diverse perspectives to policymaking, champion issues that affect both women and men, and serve as role models for future generations. Yet, visibility remains a challenge. As one speaker noted, Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) often dominate media coverage, offering a skewed view of parliamentary work and discouraging engagement.
To change this, we must speak the language of accessibility. We must demystify Parliament, highlight the real work MPs do, and show how women are making tangible differences in their communities, whether as councillors or national leaders.
From Parliament to the Workplace
The push for gender equality in Parliament mirrors the journey in business. At She Rocks Business, we believe that leadership should reflect the diversity of our society. That means supporting systems that encourage women to stand, mentoring future leaders, and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.
Gender equality starts with women supporting women—but it doesn’t end there. Men have a vital role to play in advocating for inclusive environments, challenging biases, and amplifying female voices.
Looking Ahead: 2028 and Beyond
With just three years until the centenary of equal suffrage, now is the time to act. An equal Parliament by 2028 shouldn’t be a stretch goal. It should be inevitable. The same goes for equal leadership in business. As we heard from the inspirational speakers at the House of Commons, change happens when we work together.
So let’s make the next three years count. Let’s support campaigns like #AskHerToStand, mentor emerging leaders, and remove the barriers that hold women back. Whether in politics or business, the message is clear: representation matters, and the time for change is now.
Stay tuned for future She Rocks Business events as we continue to champion equality, celebrate female leadership, and build a better future together.
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