Fab 50:50 Events in Plymouth & London to celebrate Nancy Astor!
One hundred years ago today Nancy Astor won the Plymouth by-election, although the result was not announced until 28 November 1919. She went on to take her seat in the Commons on 1 December, the first woman ever to do so. She was asked to stand by women from her constituency who had signed a petition.
50:50 Parliament will be celebrating this democratic land mark with two exciting events:
- A free screening of the inspirational film "Knock Down the House" in London W11 on 20 November from 6.30 with the Doc Society - book tickets here.
- Being in Plymouth for the unveiling of the Nancy Astor Statue on 28 November from 12.30.This is going to be a momentous occasion! Frances Scott from 50:50 will be speaking in the Guildhall afterwards. To be part of the 50:50 team in Plymouth register here.
In the hundred years since Nancy Astor took her seat over 5000 MPs have been elected but fewer than 500 have been women. The campaign for political equality continues and 50:50 are playing a massive part.
Last November we hosted a huge #AskHerToStand day in Parliament, which was covered on ITV News! Since then over 900 women have gone on to #SignUpToStand with 50:50.
50:50 support women from across the political spectrum to get selected and elected. Many candidates in this election have been inspired by our work. Recent funding from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust has enabled us to set up the #NewGirlsNetwork of 50:50 buddies to mentor and monitor women's progress along the path to Parliament.
Thank you for your continued support and if you know a woman who would make a great MP please #AskHerToStand via www.5050Parliament.co.uk.
Let's build a better democracy together!
PS. Key Fact: Don't get caught out, Constance Markievicz was the first woman to be elected to the UK Parliament in December 1918 but she never took her seat being a member of Sinn Fein.
For more information about 50:50 see our campaign report here.
To contact 50:50 email contact@5050Parliament.co.uk