On Monday 20th October 2025 we brought together a panel made up of female politicians, activists and academics to discuss how to break down the barriers to representation faced by disabled women. Whilst we have seen progress in increasing women’s representation, with women now making up 40% of MPs in the House of Commons for the first time, disabled women remain significantly underrepresented. Following the July 2024 general election, analysis by Dr Stefanie Reher and Professor Elizabeth Evans found that only 10 MPs had disclosed a disability, eight of whom were women. Given that one in five working-age adults is disabled, a representative parliament should include around 156 disabled MPs.
Dr Sarabajaya Kumar chaired the event and opened the discussion by sharing insights from our recent report, Breaking Down Barriers: Empowering Disabled Women in Politics (Centenary Action), highlighting the systemic obstacles disabled women face. She also noted positive developments, including the new Access to Elected Office Steering Group and the Modernisation Committee’s work to increase accessibility.
Professor Elizabeth Evans shared findings from her research, showing how disabled women often face dual discrimination, expected to navigate systems designed for non-disabled men.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson reflected on accessibility within Parliament, stressing that while support for members has improved, visitors still face barriers — and that parliament needs to hear from more and different voices to drive lasting change.
Conservative Sarah Bool MP spoke powerfully about living with a hidden disability and the challenges of parliamentary traditions like ‘bobbing’ while managing Type 1 Diabetes.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Helen Walker shared her experience as a wheelchair user, including being criticised for not standing to speak in the Chamber, and highlighted the need for MPs to better understand the experiences of disabled people.
Student and disability activist Pollyanna Hope reminded us that for many, being disabled is a full-time job in itself — we must close that gap.
Girlguiding Advocate Hilary spoke about her political ambitions and the importance of supportive networks for young disabled women.
The audience was made up of disabled women active in politics, civil society leaders and politicians and the questions and discussion also explored online bullying, the extra costs faced by disabled candidates, hidden disabilities, and ensuring democracy and voting are truly accessible.