Over 100 MPs from 86 countries united to celebrate the centenary of women’s suffrage in the UK. Delegates discussed the specific challenges facing women MPs today and how these might be overcome.

Opening the event, Secretary of State for International Development and Minister for Equalities, Penny Mordaunt MP welcomed women legislators and called on all participants to help drive change nationally and internationally.

Mother of the House of Commons, Labour MP Harriet Harman praises attendees for the pioneering work they do pushing to realise equality.

Chairing the first session of the Women MPs of the World conference, Andrea Leadsom MP, Leader of the House of Commons, talks about the importance of inspiring more women to participate in public life.

Ya Kumba Jaiteh, Member of the National Assembly in The Gambia explains why ensuring women’s effective participation in public life is so important in her country. Ya Kumba wants to set up the first ever Women’s Caucus in the National Assembly.

Tamara Adrian, Member of the National Assembly of Venezuela and the first transgender person elected to office in Latin America, talks about the role of legislators in challenging prejudice and promoting equal rights.

WFD is committed to improving women’s empowerment globally. Women only engagements – like the Women MPs of the World event –  allow emerging women leaders to further develop their skills in a supportive environment.

In 2019, WFD’s work will continue to take into consideration the social, cultural, economic and political norms that inhibit women’s full participation in politics. We will work with partners to develop systems and strategies that challenge and transform these.