MP Backs Exhibition Charting Women’s Fight For Democratic Equality

MP Graham Stuart is getting behind a new exhibition that charts the fight for women’s suffrage and democratic equality to mark the 100th anniversary of the first women receiving the right to vote and to stand for election as Members of Parliament.

Telling the hidden story of the valiant fight by women for universal suffrage the exhibition explores the campaigning, the protests and the achievements while also examining where we are today, and shows that anyone can make change happen and exercise their democratic.

Graham said;

 “It’s seems incredible that it’s only 100 years since some women won the right to vote and to stand for election as Members of Parliament. This excellent exhibition tells the hidden story of women’s suffrage: the campaigning, the protests and the achievements.”

“We can celebrate that 489 women MPs have been elected since 1918, but compared to the 4,503 men over that same period it’s clear there is a way to go with regards to an equal Parliament.”

“In some ways, things moved quite quickly in that it was only 50 years from when they could stand that we got our first female Prime Minister; but more needs to be done to persuade women they can do it now.”

“There are currently 208 women MPs, out of 650. I want to see more women inspired to take their place in Westminster to ensure we have a truly representative Parliament.”

“It is my hope that exhibitions such as the Voice and Vote: Women’s Place in Parliament will encourage more women to enter politics at all levels.”

“Constituents visiting the exhibition are welcome to contact me and I’ll do my best to arrange for a tour of parliament while they’re in Westminster.”

Melanie Unwin, Co-Curator of the Voice and Vote exhibition, said:

“For the first time, we have recreated the sounds and atmosphere of the uncomfortable spaces which women were confined to – to show the magnitude of what campaigners and early women MPs achieved despite the limitations placed on them.”

“Revealing this hidden history should help inspire us all to make use of the rights that women of generations past have dedicated their lives to.”