Hertford and Stortford MP Julie Marson has stood with female MPs in parliament to celebrate International Women’s Day today.
Mrs Marson lined up with senior government ministers like the Foreign Secretary Liz Truss for the photograph.
Julie is only the 510th woman to be elected to the House of Commons since women were allowed to stand for election and vote in 1918.
This means the total number of women ever to be elected as an MP does not exceed the 650 seats that make up the chamber. Presently only 34% of MPs are women.
“International Women’s Day has grown in prominence over the last few years and it’s really important we celebrate and acknowledge women whether that is in public service or being a high flyer in the business, the arts or science,” said Mrs Marson.
“Women have come far in this country since 1918 when many first received the vote and the right to sit in parliament but challenges remain around the gender pay gap, around violence towards women and girls and with the number of women in public life.
“It is disappointing that the total number of women ever to be elected to the Commons does not exceed the total number of seats, which stands at 650. We need more women to stand for election, we need more women in parliament, in government, making policies and influencing decisions.
“In politics alone there is much to be proud about. We have had two female Prime Ministers. Right now, two of the four great offices of state are held by women – Liz Truss and Priti Patel. Women hold many ministerial positions in the government too.
“But I fear that unless harassment, hate and bullying, especially on social media, is not tackled, then more and more women will not consider public service with disastrous results for our country.
“I hope not and I welcome the forthcoming Online Safety Bill but we not only need to have more women in Parliament but we need to make sure they are supported too.”