BAME Women: Why Parliament Needs Us & How to Make it Listen

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IF ANYONE HAS TICKETS BUT CAN'T MAKE IT, WE REQUEST THAT YOU KINDLY RELEASE YOUR TICKET VIA EVENTBRITE SO THAT OTHERS CAN ATTEND.

2016 was dubbed by many as the year that diversity became mainstream. In 2017, we saw this translate into the election of 10 additional BME MP’s. This brought the proportion of BME MPs up to 7.8%. Nevertheless, we can all agree this is a far cry from representative, given that the UK’s population is 14% BME.

Although stats for BME women in politics haven't been widely analysed, we can’t really assume great things, especially given that the percentage of female MPs still stands at a mere 29%.

A worse picture emerges if we look the industries surrounding our political system, with most major think tanks and media organisations remaining as pale, male and stale as ever.

If we want to see genuine political change, then this needs to change.

Join us on Thursday 12th of October in Parliament for a lively discussion exploring the desperate need for more BME women in politics.

This event will explore the multitude of avenues through which politics can be influenced, and how BME women can access these. It aims to highlight the importance of political engagement at all levels, from the grassroots to the very top of parliament, and to address some of the barriers that BME women may face on their routes to success in political careers.

Confirmed panellists include:

Rushanara Ali MP - Labour Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow
Cllr Abena Oppong-Asare - Labour Councillor and Fabian Women's Network Executive Committee
Faiza Shaheen - Director of CLASS think tank (Centre for Labour and Social Studies)
Leah Cowan - Politics Editor, Gal-dem

Further panellists to be announced.

Chair: Fahmida Rahman

Spaces are limited and your name must be on the guestlist in order to attend.

For tickets please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bame-women-why-parliament-needs-us-how-to-make-it-listen-tickets-37498381669

Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the event to allow time to pass through security at the Comwell Green entrance.