Centenary Action was delighted to support Shout Out UK and University of Roehampton‘s event Closing the Political Confidence Gap: Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders held in parliament on 9th December 2025. The event shared powerful findings from the G-EPIC research project—a proven programme designed to close the political confidence gap between girls and boys.
The event, sponsored by Kirsty Blackman MP on behalf of the APPG on Political Literacy and the APPG on Women in Parliament, brought together MPs, researchers, civil society, educators and young women.
Fleur Anderson MP opened by highlighting the importance of preparing young people for votes at 16. Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard, University of Roehampton Vice Chancellor, emphasised the role of programmes like G-EPIC in strengthening our democratic fabric.
Victoria Collins MP reminded us of the scale of women’s underrepresentation—she is only the 656th woman ever elected, and 2024 was the first year all the women MPs ever elected could have theoretically filled the Commons. Her message was clear: equal participation must start young, and teachers need the tools to build girls’ confidence in politics.
Professor Bryony Hoskins shared that girls already score higher on political knowledge and skills than boys but the levels of confidence are the reverse. Inequalities start from around 11 – 12 then increase and stay constant. This is why early intervention through the curriculum is so important. The research proves that the programme:
- Significantly increased political knowledge and confidence to participate in democracy
- Strengthened girls’ belief that they can influence government decisions
- Improved their ability to speak publicly on complex political issues
We heard directly from girls who took part in the programme:
“My voice matters—not just in the future but now.”
“Before G-EPIC I pretended to be confident. Now I actually am.”
“Politics is everywhere—and I can be part of it.”
Women MPs reflected on the importance of this work. APPG Women in Parliament Co-Chair Mims Davies MP spoke about the positives of being a woman MP and being able to shape your own agenda, and Claire Hazelgrove MP encouraged the girls to see Parliament as a place for them: “If we can do it, so can you.” And Kirsty Blackman MP captured the heart of the day: “Politics makes decisions that affect your life. You can have it done to you—or you can learn about it and influence it.”