Women of Westminster: The MPs who Changed Politics

This updated edition of "Women of Westminster" provides a comprehensive account of the first 100 years of women in Parliament, from Nancy Astor's historic election in 1919 to the present day. Despite the progress made, it highlights the overlooked stories of many women MPs and their battles for gender equality.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 352 pages
\n Publication date: 05 March 2020
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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This comprehensive and revised edition chronicles the first century of women's representation in Parliament. In 1919, Nancy Astor made history by becoming the first woman MP to take her seat in the House of Commons after her election as the Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that women, even then, had only recently gained the right to vote, having gained it just over a year prior. Over the past 100 years, a total of 491 women have been elected to Parliament. However, it took until 2016 for the number of women ever elected to surpass the number of male MPs in a single parliament.

The accomplishments of these political pioneers have been truly remarkable. Britain has witnessed the rise of two female Prime Ministers, and women MPs have made significant strides in advocating for gender equality. From the early suffrage campaigns to Barbara Castle's fight for equal pay and Harriet Harman's recent legislation addressing the gender pay gap, these women have played pivotal roles in shaping the political landscape.

However, it is disheartening to note that the stories of many women MPs have often been overlooked in political histories. In this book, Rachel Reeves aims to bring these forgotten figures to the forefront and shed light on the numerous battles fought by the Women of Westminster from 1919 to 2019.

The journey of women's representation in Parliament has been a complex and multifaceted one. From the initial struggles to secure the right to vote to the ongoing fight for gender equality, these women have faced numerous challenges and barriers. They have had to navigate a male-dominated political landscape, deal with discrimination and prejudice, and overcome societal expectations and stereotypes.

Despite these obstacles, women MPs have made significant contributions to the legislative process and have advocated for policies that promote equality and justice. They have been vocal advocates for women's rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and social welfare. They have also worked tirelessly to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

One of the most notable achievements of women MPs has been their role in shaping the political landscape. They have broken down barriers and shattered glass ceilings, becoming role models for young women and inspiring them to pursue careers in politics. They have also played a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in Parliament, ensuring that different voices and perspectives are heard and represented.

However, the journey of women's representation in Parliament is far from over. There are still significant challenges to be faced, including the need for more women to be elected to Parliament, the need for greater gender equality in political representation, and the need to address issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

In conclusion, this updated edition of Women in Parliament: 100 Years of Political Pioneers is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the history of women's representation in politics. It highlights the remarkable achievements of the women who have served in Parliament and the battles they have fought to achieve gender equality. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that needs to be done to ensure that women's voices are heard and represented in politics. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of these women, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

\n Weight: 408g\n
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781448217854\n \n