On International Women’s Day, the House of Parliament became a beacon of empowerment, unity, and advocacy as a distinguished group of parliamentarians, activists, and professionals gathered to discuss the progress and ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. Hosted by Fleur Anderson MP, the event welcomed MP Anderson women from her constituency and also a group from the Parliamentary Society for Arts and Fashion and a network of influential allies, all committed to advancing the rights, safety, and opportunities of women across the United Kingdom.
Understanding International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on 8 March, is a global movement recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a crucial reminder of the work that remains in combating gender inequality and ensuring women’s safety, empowerment, and inclusion in all sectors of society. The UK has made significant strides in gender equality, but disparities persist, particularly regarding women’s safety, workplace representation, and gender-based violence.
Women’s Safety in the UK: A Call for Action
Women’s safety remains one of the most pressing issues in the UK, with statistics painting a stark reality:
One in three women in the UK has experienced some form of harassment in public spaces (Office for National Statistics, 2023).
In the year ending March 2023, over 194,683 domestic abuse-related crimes were recorded by the police in England and Wales (UK Home Office, 2023).
Femicide rates remain alarming, with 94 women killed by men in the UK in 2022 (Femicide Census, 2023).
The UK government has pledged £230 million to tackle violence against women and girls, yet campaigners stress that more needs to be done to ensure safety on the streets, in workplaces, and within homes.
Powerful Voices, Transformative Speeches
The event was marked by a series of compelling speeches from notable MPs, activists, and industry leaders who reinforced the urgency of advancing women’s rights. Anneliese Dodds MP set the tone with an insightful discussion on the economic empowerment of women, highlighting the gender pay gap and the need for policy reforms to ensure equal opportunities.
However, the most electrifying and inspirational speaker of the evening was Sarah Owen MP, who delivered an impassioned speech filled with hard-hitting facts about the ongoing fight for women’s equality. With unwavering conviction, she addressed key societal issues such as gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the impact of austerity on women’s services. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, igniting a sense of collective responsibility to drive change.
The event also featured a powerful speech by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, Lisa Nandy MP, who spoke about the role of media in shaping perceptions of women and the urgent need for responsible, inclusive representation.
Other speakers included:
Rachel Roberts (Wishlist Southfields) – who discussed grassroots activism and local support for women.
Pat Ingram (BASE Roehampton) – who highlighted community-led initiatives and the importance of collective action.
Fifi Anicah, a vocal advocate for women’s safety in the fashion industry, who delivered a deeply personal speech about the challenges and vulnerabilities women face in creative sectors, urging for stronger protections and support mechanisms.
A Gathering of Strong, Influential Women
The night was attended by over 170 powerful women, representing diverse fields such as politics, business, media, and the arts. Among them were distinguished figures such as Lana Saliot, entrepreneur, Cheryl Reid, barrister, Olga Balakleets, founder and CEO of the Creative Women Platform, Hanna Morra, film maker, Audrone Gedrimaite ,fashion stylist, Lara Accison, PR & Marketing director, and Rebeca Riofrio, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Society for Arts and Fashion.
This gathering was more than just a commemoration of International Women’s Day; it was a demonstration of the strength, resilience, and determination of women working together to shape a more equitable future. From parliamentary debates to grassroots activism, the event showcased the collective power of women uniting to demand change, inspire action, and build a society where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
Moving Forward: Turning Words into Action
While the event celebrated progress, the speakers and attendees acknowledged that real change requires continued effort, policy reform, and cultural shifts. The discussions reinforced the need for:
Stronger legislation to combat violence against women.
Increased funding for women’s services and support networks.
Greater representation of women in leadership roles across industries.
Educational reforms to challenge gender stereotypes from a young age.
International Women’s Day is a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over. The event at the House of Parliament proved that when powerful voices unite, progress is inevitable. Now, it is up to every individual, policymaker, and organisation to ensure that these conversations translate into meaningful action, paving the way for a safer, more equitable society for future generations of women.
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