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International Women’s Day
12 March 2026
Lead MP
Seema Malhotra
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Foreign AffairsWomen & EqualitiesParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Seema Malhotra raised concerns about international women’s day in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
It is an honour to open this International Women’s Day debate, which is being held in Government time for the first time since 2020. International Women’s Day was forged in the labour strikes of the early 20th century as women came together to call for better pay, shorter working hours and voting rights. It has become an important milestone that celebrates the achievement of women, promotes gender equality and acts as a call to action. In this debate, I have no doubt that we will hear about pioneering pathfinders, including women who smashed the glass ceiling in Parliament and paved the way for us today. Labour has had the first female Chief Whip, the first female Chancellor and the first black woman MP, the inspirational right hon. Member for Hackney North and Stoke Newington (Ms Abbott). We have also had Barbara Castle, Ellen Wilkinson, Jennie Lee and, of course, Baroness Harman in the other place. That is not to forget you, Madam Deputy Speaker—the first non-white Deputy Speaker and the first female Muslim Minister. I have many greats and firsts sitting behind me—and probably in front of me—including my hon. Friend the Member for Brent East (Dawn Butler), who was the first black female Minister and the first black woman to speak from the Dispatch Box. I am proud that many of those were also Fabian women, and that we are marking 21 years of the Fabian Women’s Network this year.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He highlighted the importance of protecting women, expressing concern about the high number of women murdered in Northern Ireland and emphasising the need for society to protect women while celebrating them on International Women’s Day.
She expressed pride in being part of a record number of women elected for Plaid Cymru and in the record 40% of women elected in 2024. She called for the Government to commit to Centenary Action’s call to commence section 106 of the Equality Act 2010, which would require political parties to publish diversity data on candidates to increase transparency.
She agreed with the Minister’s speech and highlighted the need to restructure how women’s work and the workforce predominantly made up of women are valued, in addition to increasing the minimum wage.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
She discussed the glass ceiling in engineering, noting that women rarely manage to get through it and there is a similar race equality issue in the higher tiers of engineering.
Responded to the International Women’s Day debate, praising the Minister for Equalities' passion for fighting inequality and the gender pay gap. Acknowledged the right to debate and stand up for women, expressing gratitude for the rights enjoyed in the UK. Paid tribute to the Deputy Speaker for championing Uyghur women and girls, highlighting her cross-party work.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Expressed gratitude for her work, mentioning that she was sanctioned by the Chinese Communist party for her efforts. Acknowledged interventions from other MPs, discussing local women’s achievements, the importance of representing women in statue form, and the need to recognise those who stand up for sex-based rights while also being mindful of trans people's vulnerabilities.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Wealden
Nusrat Ghani intervened to correct the usage of pronouns in the debate, emphasising the importance of proper parliamentary etiquette.
Alex Brewer
Liberal Democrats
Watford
Alex Brewer raised the difficult and taboo subject of female genital mutilation (FGM), discussing its prevalence in The Gambia and the effectiveness of not-for-profit and grassroots organisations in preventing the practice. She mentioned that the prevalence of FGM has fallen from 76% to 51% in The Gambia, but highlighted the risk of funding running out as aid is being reduced. She also criticised the Government for confirming that their flagship programme to end FGM will finish in October 2026 without any plans for future investment, calling this deeply irresponsible. Brewer further emphasised the importance of international cooperation and the role of British overseas aid in preventing FGM and protecting girls globally.
Erith and Thamesmead
Ms Oppong-Asare paid tribute to women in her constituency, such as Chiamaka Muoneke, Jattinder Rai, Shantel Morris, Jo Dunkley, and Kate Heaps, highlighting their contributions to community support and charity work. She emphasised the importance of women's health, advocating for enhanced training for GPs and improved education on menstrual health. She welcomed the new women’s health strategy and highlighted the need for further progress in achieving equality in the NHS.
Nottingham West
Chamberlain raises concerns about the new penal code that legalizes domestic violence and the restrictions on women's rights to work, receive healthcare training, and access education. She calls for the Government to provide more support and safe routes for refuge, study, and work for Afghan women and girls. She emphasises the resilience of Afghan women and the importance of their voices being heard.
Samantha Niblett
Con
South Derbyshire
Samantha Niblett highlighted the contributions of women in South Derbyshire, including Kalila Storey, Lib Orme, Lesley Aspey, Sharon Brown, Julie Batten, Keelie Briggs, Elaine Penhaul, Katie Lavis, Tracey Payne, Angela Archer, Keddie Bailey, Hollie Benton, Petra Parker, Ingrid van der Weide, Becca King, Peggy Moore, Maria Hanson MBE, Edwina Currie, Margaret Garner, and Hannah Mitchell, who have made significant impacts in various sectors such as public service, charity work, entrepreneurship, and cultural heritage.
Hannah Spencer
Lab
Gorton
Hannah Spencer highlighted the importance of recognising and honouring the efforts of women and working-class individuals who have fought for equality and better living conditions. She highlighted the struggles faced by her constituency, which is the 15th most deprived in the country, and stressed the need to tackle health inequalities and empower local communities. She acknowledged the contributions of women like Hannah Mitchell, Mary Quaile, and Annie Kenney, and the ongoing fight for a more equitable society.
Lindsay Hoyle
Lab
Chorley
Lindsay Hoyle made a brief comment, noting that at least Hannah Spencer can cross the football political divide by being a Bolton Wanderers supporter.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath
Welcomes the debate and the presence of women in the Chamber. Mentions the need for maintenance of the Palace of Westminster. Celebrates women in communities and across the world, highlighting the work of Jennie Lee and the need for women's equality. Criticises the control over women's bodies in various countries and the need for the UN to continue its work. Discusses the attacks on women's rights in the UK, including the Reform Party's stance and the use of technology to humiliate women. Mentions the incidents of domestic abuse and online misogyny in her constituency. Emphasises the need to confront organised misogyny.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Lincoln Jopp paid tribute to Hannah Spencer for her maiden speech and then spoke about Amy Gentry, a pioneer in women's rowing from his constituency. He detailed Amy's achievements from her early life through her contributions to women's rowing and her work with Barnes Wallis during World War II. He highlighted her role in bringing the European championships to the UK and her posthumous recognition as a pioneer in women's sports, noting the irony that she died just a month before women were allowed to compete in rowing at the Olympics.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent Central
Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central, expressed the importance of women taking up space and standing out, even when they face criticism and dismissal of their experiences. She highlighted the issues women face in various spheres, including the court system and globally, such as in Iran, Gaza, Afghanistan, Sudan, the UK, and America. She called for action against paedophiles and the punishment of those involved in grooming gangs, regardless of their status or influence. Butler also addressed the statistics on violence against women and emphasised the need for protection and support for women and girls, both in the UK and globally.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Kirsty Blackman praised the speeches of her fellow MPs and reflected on the challenges women face in the political sphere and in society at large. She highlighted the importance of recognising and valuing the 'unseen women' who contribute to society through their work. She noted the gendered expectations placed on young women and the undervaluation of jobs traditionally held by women, such as care work and teaching. Blackman also discussed the struggles faced by women in Parliament, including the impact of social media and toxic online environments on their ability to engage in politics. She emphasised the need for cross-party support and the establishment of a women’s caucus to support female MPs. She concluded by touching on the issue of menopause, highlighting its often overlooked symptoms and the importance of supporting women during this time.
Katrina Murray
Lab
Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
The hon. Member for Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch emphasised the importance of celebrating women's contributions to society and highlighted several women in her constituency who work tirelessly to support others. She recognised the theme of 'Give to Gain' for International Women's Day, and the UN theme of 'Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women'. She discussed the need for ongoing progress and the importance of recognising women's work in communities, noting the efforts of Linda, Lorna, Christine at Tony's Safe Place, Anne Miller at Kilsyth Senior Citizens and the Old Library Management Group, Isobel Hughes at St Patrick’s in Kilsyth, and Lynnie and Yvette at GRACE, a recovery aftercare community enterprise.
Clive Jones
Con
Wokingham
The hon. Member for Wokingham congratulated the hon. Member for Gorton and Denton on her maiden speech. He highlighted the gender equality index scores for Wokingham and the progress made in gender equality, while also noting significant gaps between women and men in pay, job progression, and civil society participation. He discussed the issue of violence against women and girls, the importance of support for survivors, and the need for mandatory training for police and prosecutors on the impact of trauma. He also mentioned the vital work done by Vickie Robertson and her charity Kaleidoscopic UK, which helps women who have experienced domestic abuse. He called for action to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are not forced to return to perpetrators due to inadequate temporary accommodation.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Tonia Antoniazzi highlighted the rise in sexual exploitation, particularly the neglect of women and girls exploited in the sex trade. She emphasised the role of technology in facilitating exploitation and the inadequacy of current legislation. She cited a recent report by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner which detailed the extent of exploitation on adult services websites, with nearly 63,000 listings and almost 41.7 million visitors in a month. She called for urgent action to review and address the recommendations made by the report, stressing the need to shut down websites that enable and normalise such abuse.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
Paid tribute to the hon. Member for Gorton and Denton for emphasising the shared humanity among people despite their differences. Stressed the importance of supporting women and girls in Afghanistan and fighting against the mistreatment of women and girls, including through international law. Highlighted the structural inequality in pay and the need for legislative action to address it. Called for redoubled efforts in the fight for equality and emphasised the necessity of legislating and ensuring the implementation of laws to benefit women and girls. Discussed the issue of domestic abuse and the barriers faced by survivors, particularly regarding housing instability and lack of trauma-informed care. Mentioned the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 and the delay in its enforcement. Highlighted the importance of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) in providing support and training for social landlords to better assist survivors of domestic abuse. Discussed the work of local charity Scottish Sports Futures in encouraging young women to speak up about violence against women and girls, and praised the charity's efforts in promoting equality and respect.
Dave Robertson
SNP
Aberdeen North
Dave Robertson thanked contributors for their high-quality debate and highlighted the importance of discussing both positive aspects and challenging issues. He focused on the crimes of Mohamed al-Fayed, a sexual predator who trafficked and sexually abused hundreds of women over decades. Robertson called for holding accountable those who enabled al-Fayed’s crimes and supported survivors in bringing his crimes to light.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Caroline Nokes reminded the House of the caution needed when discussing live civil cases involving Mohamed al-Fayed and acknowledged the work of the Survivors Trust in supporting the all-party parliamentary group for the survivors of Fayed and Harrods.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Julie Minns praised several hon. Members for their contributions, including Hannah Spencer for her maiden speech, Dawn Butler for her determination, and Kirsty Blackman for her emphasis on unity. She thanked her senior caseworker, Megan Redhead, for her work and highlighted the story of Angela Burdett-Coutts, a Victorian philanthropist. Burdett-Coutts, born in 1814, inherited a banking fortune and used it to fund education, housing, and social reform projects, earning her the title 'Queen of the Poor'. She also supported animal welfare and women's empowerment, and her contributions were recognised by Queen Victoria. Minns called for an audible celebration featuring the Coutts bell from St Stephen's church in Carlisle, to honour female changemakers like Burdett-Coutts.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Northampton North
Mr Newbury emphasised the importance of allyship across different characteristics and highlighted the need to address the challenges faced by men and boys while supporting women and girls. He criticised the Reform candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election for suggesting that people without children should be taxed, calling it a misogynistic view of women's roles in society. He praised the Labour Government's efforts to close the gender pay gap and support women's health, including conditions such as endometriosis and menopause symptoms.
In an intervention, Ms Chamberlain shared a personal anecdote about her daughter's experiences with cat-calling and harassment on the street, emphasising the need to educate both girls and boys on these issues.
Apsana Begum
Lab
West Ham
The hon. Member for West Ham (Apsana Begum) congratulated colleagues on their contributions to the debate. She emphasised the ongoing cost of living crisis exacerbated by Conservative austerity and the chronic under-investment in public services, leading to job losses and insecure employment for women, particularly those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. She also discussed her personal experience with domestic abuse and the need for better protections in the workplace and political life. She called for an independent statutory inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's links to British institutions and for the Government to address the assaults on civil liberties targeting minoritised and migrant women.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Penistone and Stocksbridge
The hon. Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Kevin Bonavia) highlighted the influence of women in his life and the contributions of notable women from his constituency, such as Lady Constance Lytton, Barbara Follett, and Sharon Taylor. He praised the ongoing work to improve housing and the leadership of women like Jeannette Thomas and Nazmin Chowdhury. He expressed his support for the Government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls in the coming years, emphasising that equality for women is beneficial for everyone.
The hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Lauren Sullivan) made a point of order to declare her position as an unpaid visiting research scientist at the Francis Crick Institute, as required by the Register of Members’ Financial Interests.
Joy Morrissey praised the maiden speech of the hon. Member for Gorton and Denton and thanked the hon. Member for North East Hampshire for her speech on FGM. She also praised her staff and acknowledged the importance of women parliamentary staffers. Morrissey expressed her admiration for the hon. Member for Brent East's mayoral campaign and commended the hon. Member for Aberdeen North for her work on online harms and child sexual exploitation. She concluded with a quote from Nancy Astor, emphasising the opportunity to prevent suffering through politics.
Jess Phillips
Lab
Birmingham, Yardley
Expressed emotional response to debate, thanked key speakers and praised the Government's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. Committed to funding oversight mechanisms for domestic homicide reviews and read out the names of women killed by men in the past year.
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