International Women’s Day, which falls on the 8th of March, gives us the opportunity to think about the role of women in today’s society; about what sacrifices have been made to get to where we are, and what more there is still to do before we achieve genuine equality and meritocracy.
2018 marks two notable centenaries; the Armistice that brought about the end of the First World War, and the Representation of the People Act. It was the actions of the women of the UK that kept British industry running during that war. This convinced the male political class of the day that some propertied women were worthy of a vote in general elections. Just as the necessities of war allowed the possibility for a woman to work “a man’s job”, this small act of inclusion was the beginning of the end of the injustice that had long denied women their right to be involved in the democratic process.
100 years on, women are not just involved in business, industry and politics, but are leaders in these fields. Women make up 27.7% of board members in FTSE100 companies, more than double the number 7 years ago. We used to speak only of Policemen and Firemen; the terms seem outdated when in London their leaders, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the London Fire Brigade Commissioner, are both women. In Westminster, Baroness Hale is President of the Supreme Court, and for the second time in our history we are led by a female Prime Minister. A century ago, the Home Secretary and Director of Public Prosecutions were grappling with the direct action of suffragettes. In 2018, both those offices are held by women. The Leaders of the House of Commons and the House of Lords are also women and there are a record number of female MPs.
While these anniversaries and appointments allow us to reflect on how far we have come since 1918, the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns demonstrate that the fight for real equality is not yet won. From Hollywood to Westminster and everywhere in between, women should be able to achieve anything and go anywhere their talents and abilities can take them, without the fear of harassment or obstacles that they would not face if they were male. We have to ensure that talented girls are not put off pursuing the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects, where opportunities are opening up all the time for young women to excel.
We have come a long way, but the journey is not over yet.