A new generation of ‘modern suffragettes’ must continue the fight for women’s equality and representation in public life, the Chair of the Fabian Society and President of the Fabian Women’s Network, Seema Malhotra MP said in a speech on the 10th February, attended by Labour’s Deputy Leader Harriet Harman MP, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP and London Mayoral hopeful Dame Tessa Jowell MP.
Speaking at an event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Fabian Women’s Network in London, Ms Malhotra, who founded the Fabian Women’s Network 10 years ago said that women from all backgrounds today should learn lessons from history by joining forces under a ‘unifying goal’ to inspire future generations and fight for equality.
She warned that Britain still has a ‘gender problem’ where women are ‘woefully under-represented’ in the spheres of power and are under-paid compared to their male counterparts.
She also highlighted important issues facing modern women today such as ‘gender-based’ violence and the under-representation of women in democracy – particularly in the House of Commons.
In her speech she said, “We know Britain has a gender problem. Women form 51% of the population, but are woefully under-represented in the spheres of power – socially, economically and politically.”
“Representation is vital because we know that a diversity of experience and ideas makes for better decision making. Not just that, but research shows that in general male law makers are less likely to initiate and pass laws that serve women and children’s interests.”
Calling on women to learn lessons from the Suffragette movement of the past, she added: “Women’s political rights are meaningless unless they are matched by social and economic rights. A woman with the vote is not equal if she is subject to violence, poverty and exclusion from society.”
Ms Malhotra will say that a new generation of women are now using the ‘F Word’ (Feminism) again. “People don’t come together in politics because it’s better than watching EastEnders. They come together to believe in the common project – because they believe in the change.
“This is a moment to say thank you to the Fabian women of today, modern suffragettes who are part of that continued journey to equality.
“The bigger issue is that what drove the Fabian’s pioneering women to fight for equality one hundred years ago, is what motivates us here today, and what will inspire the next generations, until the fight is won.
Photo courtesy: Raj D Bakrania
