On 9th July 2025 the APPG Women in Parliament held an event in Parliament focused on Championing Women in Politics from Rural Areas. The gathering brought together MPs, councillors, activists, women’s sector organisations and community leaders to discuss the unique challenges and vital contributions of women in rural constituencies.
Opening the event, Sarah Dyke MP emphasised that the path into politics can be especially difficult for rural women, who face challenges ranging from geographic isolation to a lack of access to political networks and leadership opportunities.
We also heard from Jess Asato MP who drew attention to the specific and often overlooked barriers in rural constituencies. She described how such areas are frequently vast and difficult to cover, with poor public transport, patchy internet connectivity, and limited access to services. She also noted that despite perceptions of rural affluence there are real issues of underfunding, hidden poverty, and isolation. She also drew attention to the fact that violence against women and girls is often a hidden issue in these communities. Jess stressed that rural voices need far greater representation in national policy debates, which too often remain centred on urban concerns.
Rebecca Smith MP brought her experience of representing a mixed urban-rural constituency to the table, emphasising the importance of ensuring that rural perspectives are heard. She reflected on the value of perseverance and preparation for women seeking to enter politics, advising: “Be in it for the long haul. Put the work in—have a plan.”
Speaking passionately about rural life, Ann Davies MP highlighted the strengths of rural communities – “bonds, community, pride” and that “rural life doesn’t limit your potential, it gives you skills.”
Councillor Shazna Muzammil shared how much she valued being able to support and fight for her community in her role as a councillor. She also reflected on the challenge of persistent stereotypes about what a political leader is “supposed” to look like, and called for a shift in how we define leadership to reflect the diversity of those who serve.
We were proud to shine a spotlight on both the barriers faced by women in rural constituencies and to reaffirm the importance of making their voices central to policy decisions.
