Mark Garnier MP invited six sixth formers from schools in Wyre Forest to Parliament in celebration of International Women’s Day
MPs were invited to ask young women from their constituencies to put themselves forward to shadow their MP. Molly Bradbury from Stourport High School, Emilia Sinden from Baxter College, Adrienne Rogers from Bewdley High School, Rebecca Howman from Holy Trinity, Kathryn Smithson from King Charles and Jessica Bryant from Wolverley High School all put themselves forward.
They were able to shadow Mark on the 6th March as part of the “Inspiring Change” theme for International Women’s Day. The girls enjoyed a tour of number 10 in the morning and then had the opportunity to spend the afternoon shadowing Mark. This included attending a Westminster Hall debate on the contribution of women to the economy, watching debates in the House of Commons and the House of Lords and attending a bill committee.
The day finished with afternoon tea in the Speaker’s State Apartments where the girls were able to listen to talks from Maria Miller MP, Minister for Women and Equalities, Sharon Hodgson MP, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities and Mary Macleod MP.
Chiltern Railways provided 5 of the girls with free travel to enable them to participate in the day. Chiltern’s contribution meant that 6 girls in total were able to travel to London.
Mark Garnier said “It is extremely important to engage young women in politics. International Women’s Day is vital in highlighting the inequalities that are still present in our society. It also provides an important opportunity to inspire young women and to encourage them to participate in politics or leading community roles. It was delightful to meet the girls and to show them what the role of an MP involves and to encourage them to get involved in politics.
“I would like to thank Chiltern Railways who provided free travel to 5 of the girls, which enabled so many girls from Wyre Forest to travel to London and be able to take part.”