30 APRIL 2018

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Fiona Mactaggart, leading feminist campaigner and former Labour MP for Slough, has been appointed as Chair of the Fawcett Society.

Mactaggart, a former Home Office Minister and Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities, spent 20 years in parliament but stood down before the last election. Throughout her professional life she has campaigned to improve women’s lives and fight inequality and discrimination. She takes over from Belinda Phipps who stood down earlier in the year.

Most notable is her work on Labour’s Older Women’s Commission and women’s representation, her campaigning to end violence against women and girls and her long-standing view that sex-buyers should be criminalised.

Commenting Sam Smethers, Fawcett Society Chief Executive, said:

“Fiona Mactaggart is a committed feminist and someone who has always fought for women’s rights. It is an honour to have her as our Chair and we are really looking forward to working with her to strengthen Fawcett’s voice and impact in the years ahead. We couldn’t wish for a stronger voice for women and champion of equality.”

Fiona Mactaggart said:

“I am proud to take on this role in the centenary year of the first success in the campaign for women’s votes, launched by Millicent Fawcett. I Iook forward to working with colleagues from all political traditions to achieve equality between women and men.”

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For more information contact:

[email protected] / 07769 66 66 27

[email protected] / 07876 378 733

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About the Fawcett Society

The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights at work, at home and in public life. Our vision is a society in which women and girls in all their diversity are equal and truly free to fulfil their potential; creating a stronger, happier, better future for us all. The Fawcett Society traces its origins back to 1866 and the first petition for the vote. 

This year, Millicent Fawcett was commemorated as the first woman with a statue in Parliament Square. 100 years since the first women secured the vote, we are campaigning to make 2018 a year of victories for girls and women everywhere. Read more about the #OurTimeNow campaign and our centenary activity here.