21st November 2024
Today is Ask Her to Stand Day!
The campaign encourages women to stand for election. It takes place each year on November 21, the same date the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918 was passed. This historic act allowed women to be elected to Parliament for the first time.
We’re encouraging the amazing women in our community them to put themselves forward to stand for election!
If you know a brilliant woman in the community who would make a fantastic councillor, then ask her to stand!
Women make up more than half the population, yet men still outnumber women 2:1 on elected bodies. Representation matters. When women are excluded, they are disproportionately affected. Whether it’s housing, the economy, or childcare policy, women’s perspectives are essential.
The Covid-19 inquiry revealed that the lack of gender diversity in the UK Prime Minister’s office during the pandemic meant women were overlooked in policymaking – potentially contributing to preventable deaths.
To be able to stand for Labour you need to be a member. Join today.
Find out more about organisations who support women to stand for election:
50:50 Parliament is the organisation behind ask her to stand day. They work with all political parties to help women progress in politics. They campaign to build a better democracy, and equal representation, by inspiring, encouraging, and supporting women through programmes and workshops. Find out more here and join their Sign Up to Stand campaign!
Elect Her motivates, supports, and equips women to stand for political office. They offer workshops and grants, such as the Fund Her grant, which helps cover personal costs like childcare, clothing, and disability-related expenses for candidates. Since launching their grant program, they have awarded nearly £60,000, with 32% distributed in 2024, including to 10 women contesting the snap General Election.
Elect Her also supports women who have already entered political office.
Labour Women’s Network works to ensure more Labour women are elected to public office at all levels, and supports them in playing a full role within the Party. With a range of fantastic events and gold-standard training programmes, make sure you join their mailing list or become a member to hear more.
