10.11am 11th July 2024

What do the election results mean for women's representation across Parliament?

Women now make up 40.5% of the House of Commons, up from 35% in the last Parliament, this election has brought women's representation closer to parity than ever before. A total of 263 women MPs now serve in Parliament, compared to 226 in the previous term. This historic achievement reflects the growing momentum for gender equality in political representation.

Fawcett's analysis shows:

• There have now been enough women MPs in history to fill the House of Commons 
• There are now 50 Black and minoritised women MPs. If the House were representative of the UK population, there would be 58.
• But nine out of ten of the most common names of MPs in the new Parliament are those of men

Read Fawcett's post-election report in full here.

15:35pm 9th July 2024

New Ministers for Women and Equalities: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

We are pleased to see the appointments of Bridget Phillipson and Anneliese Dodds as the new Ministers for Women and Equalities. Both bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to this crucial role. They are well-equipped to address the pressing issues facing women today.

However, we are disappointed that this important role continues to be treated as an additional task alongside their other cabinet responsibilities. Along with the Agenda Alliance, we have long called for a dedicated Secretary of State for Women and Girls. A standalone role would reflect the scale of the challenge in achieving equality and the potential benefits for our entire society.

Driving change will require significant coordination across various government departments. We look forward to working closely with both Bridget and Anneliese as they undertake this vital work.

It's encouraging to see that Labour's manifesto promised many policies Fawcett has campaigned hard for that would benefit women, including:

• Childcare reforms
• Flexible working arrangements
• Reducing violence against women
• Making misogyny a hate crime
• Extending employment tribunal time limits
• Protecting against maternity discrimination
• Implementing a Race Equality Act
• Closing the gender pay gap

These ambitions require strong leadership and dedicated focus to be successful. We will continue to advocate tirelessly for their implementation. There is enormous potential for these changes to transform our society for women and girls.

We also hope this will be a moment for increased investment in the Government Equalities Office and the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

Women's rights are central to Labour’s ‘Equality Mission,’ and it is promising that these policies are linked with the Minister responsible for equality. Integrating these policies within the education sector suggests a holistic approach, combining early education reforms with parental leave and flexible working options, giving parents more choices.

We look forward to working with both Ministers to ensure that all women, wherever they are in the UK, can thrive and stay safe.

11:33am 5th July 2024

Leadership Highlights: Women's Achievements and Appointments

• Harriet Harman Elevated to the House of Lords: Our Chair, Harriet Harman, has been elevated to the House of Lords. This is a significant recognition of her longstanding commitment to gender equality and public service.
• Naushabah Khan Wins Labour MP Seat: Our trustee, Naushabah Khan, has won her seat as the Labour MP for Gillingham and Rainham. We extend our congratulations to her and look forward to her continued advocacy for women's rights in Parliament.
• Diane Abbott Becomes Mother of the House: Congratulations to Diane Abbott, who is now the Mother of the House. Her pioneering work and dedication to public service continue to inspire many.

10:45am 5th July 2024

General Election Outcomes: What's Next for Women?

With the general election results in and Labour emerging as the victorious party, a new chapter begins for the UK. This moment presents a critical opportunity to drive significant change for women's equality.

Congratulations to Keir Starmer and the Incoming Government

We extend our congratulations to Keir Starmer and the Labour Party on their electoral success. Now, the real challenge lies in turning campaign promises into tangible actions that benefit women across the country.

Labour's Manifesto: A Step Towards Progress for Women

Labour's manifesto has embraced several policies that Fawcett has long championed. These commitments are vital for driving progress in gender equality. Key among these are:

• Flexible Working: Making flexible working the default option is a significant step towards empowering women in the workforce.
• Closing the Gender Pay Gap: Labour's pledge to make firms take action on gender pay gaps, along with reporting on ethnicity and disability pay gaps, is crucial for transparency and equity.
• Improving Parental Leave: Enhancing parental leave policies will support working parents and promote a more balanced division of childcare responsibilities.

For these policies to effect real change, Labour must not only be ambitious in their implementation but also ensure meaningful penalties for non-compliance by employers.

Childcare: Ambition and Investment Needed

While Labour's commitment to increasing childcare places is a positive start, much more is needed. The affordability and accessibility of childcare are paramount to reducing inequality. Significant investment in the childcare workforce is essential to deliver these expanded services effectively.

Our childcare system requires both rescue and radical reform to ensure all children benefit, not just those whose parents are already employed. We commend Bridget Philipson for her dedication to this issue and look forward to collaborating on initiatives that will shape the future of our children and women's equality.

Representation in Government

As Keir Starmer assembles his cabinet and ministerial team, we are watching closely. The inclusion of the first woman Chancellor would be a historic milestone. It is imperative that women make up at least half of the cabinet and ministerial positions. Furthermore, we advocate for a standalone Secretary of State dedicated to women's and equality issues.

Numerical representation is crucial, but it is only the beginning. Those in power must be resolutely focused on driving change for women. The record-breaking proportion of women MPs, now over 40%, marks a significant achievement and underscores the importance of female representation in government.

The Road Ahead

The task ahead is formidable. Labour's real work begins now, and the party must prove itself to women by delivering on its commitments. The policies outlined in their manifesto have the potential to bring about the much-needed change for women, but only if implemented with determination and accountability.

As the Fawcett Society, we stand ready to support and hold the new government accountable. Together, we can work towards a future where equality is not just an aspiration but a reality for all women.