Reform Jersey and Unite the Union have invited two "outstanding women" from the world of politics to take part in a #PressforProgress seminar focussing on Women in Politics & Leadership taking place at Jersey Opera House at 18:30 today.
Dr Rupa Hu, a British Labour MP representing Ealing Central and Acton and Lesley Mansell, a veteran political activist, trade unionist of over 45 years, and a local councillor of 10 years, will be talking at the seminar.
Describing the event, Deputy Montfort Tadier said: "We are delighted to welcome two outstanding women from the world of politics for this special seminar to mark International Women's Day. 100 years on from UK women winning the right to vote, there has of course been much progress, however women remain constantly under-represented in politics, senior leadership roles and in the judiciary.
"Many of the barriers are invisible, as well as practical. We believe that party politics play a crucial role in supporting and empowering women to find their political voice; and this will be one of the themes explored in the seminar."
Dr Rupa Huq is a British Labour MP representing Ealing Central and Acton. She was first elected in 2015, narrowly beating the Conservative incumbent with a 274 vote majority. Two years later at the snap election of 2017, she increased this to a whopping 16 000 plus majority, gaining 60% of all votes cast. She is a columnist, academic, DJ and mother to 13 year old Rafi, who is already a seasoned campaigner.
Dr Huq will be joined by Lesley Mansell, a veteran political activist, trade unionist of over 45 years, and a local councillor of ten years. She works for the NHS as an Equality and Diversity manager. Lesley will be talking to us about her various experiences in politics including her campaign in 2017 for the West of England Mayoral Election, where she came a very close second gaining 48.4% of the vote. She has also worked in the Higher Education and Engineering sectors.
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