In this blog Girlguiding advocate Megan, 21, shares the MPs who have inspired her.
Representation within politics is an important issue. A diverse range of policymakers with varied backgrounds and experiences is imperative to the effective functioning of a nation like the UK. Over the last century, much work has been done to improve the diversity of British politics, especially within the realm of equal gender representation. Many of these women are a great inspiration to many young people, including myself.
When thinking about influential women MPs, we need to acknowledge the importance of Nancy Astor, the first woman to take a seat in parliament. She was the only woman in the House of Commons for approximately 2 years and faced many challenges during this period. She is not without controversy and she held views I strongly disagree with but she has a place in history as the first woman MP, paving the way for the women politicians that have since followed in her footsteps.
One particular woman politician who has been deemed to be particularly inspiring is Barbara Castle. Taking on many roles within the Cabinet throughout the 1960s, including the First Secretary of State, Castle has had an incredibly influential impact on the UK. Through her steering of the Equal Pay Act 1970, she helped to provide equal opportunities for many people within the workplace, by forming legislation that would, and continues to, limit the disparity in wages between men and women in a wide array of careers.
In terms of currently active women politicians, Anum Qaisar MP has proven to be a rather inspiring figure within the House of Commons. She is a member of the Women and Equalities Committee, who host inquiries into many issues, often through a gendered lens, on many issues that are important to girls and young women. Qaisar is also particularly inspiring through her use of social media to engage young people within politics, by creating a more relaxed and engaging insight into the role of an MP and being a woman in politics.
Castle and Qaisar, amongst many others, have all encouraged me to stand up for my beliefs and engage in politics, helping me to express my opinions more through speaking out on the issues that are important to me. These women have also inspired me within my advocacy for Girlguiding, as I can use their values, beliefs, and legacies within my work to encourage young people to speak out and express themselves fully.
These women in politics provide an inspiration for many young women, encouraging them to become more involved in politics and social action, and to develop their beliefs. This allows young people to become more socially aware of the world around them and the issues affecting many different people. Engaging with politics is an incredibly important facet of life for young people. Teaching young people to become vocal about the issues they are passionate about can help to raise awareness and ultimately influence policy and decision-making within the country. This sentiment is echoed by many young people as, according to Girlguiding’s annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey (2021), 43% of girls and young women aged 11-21 are now more engaged and interested in politics and the decisions the government makes. Moreover, 85% of girls and young women from the same age range believe that children and young people’s concerns should be at the centre of government decisions about the future.