Women in Parliament and Government Introduction The number of women candidates that stand to be Members of Parliament has risen at almost every general election. In the last election 1033 women candidates stood across all parties – the highest number and percentage on record.

How much do you know? 1. Who was the first woman to be elected as an MP? Nancy Astor Diane Abbott Constance de Markievicz Harriet Harman

2. In which year were women first able to stand for Parliament? 1900 1918 1962 2000

3. Who was the first female Speaker of the House of Commons? Frances D’Souza Nancy Astor Margaret Thatcher Betty Boothroyd

4. How many women were elected to Parliament at the 2015 General Election? 9 60 191 250

Why is it important to have women in Parliament?

In a recent survey, people gave the following reasons why is important to have women in Parliament. Do you agree? Women have different life experiences – women and men can have very different perspectives on the same issue Some issues only affect women, or affect them more (maternity leave, unequal pay, domestic violence were some examples given). These issues may not get on the agenda or decisions on them may not be well-informed We are wasting the talents and ideas of over half the population It is unfair – everyone should have an equal chance to have a say Girls and young women need to have role models as leaders in society If only a few women are involved, they cannot represent women of all ages, races and classes Women can bring different skills and qualities to decision-making – women can be less confrontational and better at seeing the whole picture than men.

How important are these milestone for Parliament How important are these milestone for Parliament? Do any of the parliamentary female firsts stand out to you? Why do you think it took as long as it did to have a female Prime Minister?

Do you think there is still progress to be made regarding gender equality in Parliament?

Find out more at www.parliament.uk/women