As a part of the More Women More Power Campaign, we are keen to work with politicians who are passionate advocates of equality. These politicians have committed to stand-up for international women's rights and voice the concerns and needs of the world's most marginalised women in our own parliament. So, let's meet One World Action's very first Women's Rights Champions.....
Baroness Glenys Kinnock: Having played a key role in founding One World Action 20 years ago, Glenys is one of our oldest friends and still our President. As the former Special Representative for tackling violence against women overseas, Glenys has been speaking-up for women the world over suffer violence and abuse and we are proud to have her as one of One World Action's Women's Rights Champions.
Fiona MacTaggart MP: Labour MP for Slough, Fiona has always campaigned for justice and equality for women and minorities. She is co-Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party Women's Committee and runs a mentoring scheme for Labour women who want to stand for Parliament. Following her commitment to becoming one of One World Action’s Women’s Rights Champions, Fiona pledged to write to Secretary of State for International Development to demand that more be done to ensure that women are represented in decision-making in international development in the UK.
“I know that women are the key to health and prosperity in poorer countries and it is only when women’s voices are heard that communities escape malnutrition and poor health and education. I think it’s also noticeable that the most deeply divided societies are often those where women are kept out of national democratic debate.”Fiona MacTaggart MP
Lorely Burt MP: Lorely has served at the Liberal Democrat’s spokesperson on women and equality and in 2009 received the WeBenc International Luminary Award for services to women in business. She was a signatory for the first phase of the More Women More Power campaign and is fully committed to being a Women’s Rights Champion for One World Action.
“Everywhere in the world women are denied equal access to power, even in our own country. Until women have an equal say, their rights and their issues will be ignored. I pledge to continue to work for women all over the world whose rights and interests are ignored and denied. We will never achieve a prosperous, fair and peaceful world until women take their rightful place in it.” Lorely Burt MP
Anas Sarwar MP: Anas is the Labour MP for Glasgow Central and is passionate about engaging people in politics and decision-making. He was the founder and co-ordinator of Y-Vote, a political platform for young people which used a mix of music and political education to engage young people into the political process. Anas is keen to continue speaking out on equalities issues and become engaged in international development.
"If we want societies to be the best they can be, we need to ensure that political processes engage all people and not just those who currently hold the keys to power. That is why I founded Y-Vote, and it is why I have pledged to work with One World Action to ensure that women around the world have their voices heard in international development." Anas Sarwar MP
Bridget Phillipson MP: Bridget is the Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South. She has focused her career to date on supporting women victims of violence and, before her election, worked for a local charity - Wearside Women in Need - managing a refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence. We look forward to working with Bridget during her time in parliament.
Dr Sarah Wollaston MP: Sarah is the Conservative MP for Totnes. She worked for many years as a forensic medical examiner for Devon and Cornwall Police, mostly with victims of physical and sexual assault, and this has led to a special interest in challenging violence against women. Now that she has been elected, she is keen to meet with One World Action discuss how she can extend this interest in women’s rights into the international arena.
Rachel Reeves MP: Labour MP for Leeds West, Rachel has spent her professional career as an economist working for the Bank of England, the British Embassy in Washington and at Halifax Bank of Scotland. Her economic expertise has been recognised, and Rachel has work published in the field regularly. Rachel holds a Master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from New College, Oxford.
Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP: In 2003, Eilidh - SNP MP in Banff and Buchan - joined a well known international development organisation in a policy role, promoting development issues with Scottish parliamentarians. In the wake of the Make Poverty History campaign in 2005, she became its Scottish Campaigns Manager. With this experience, Eilidh will be a great advocate on international issues.
Heidi Alexander MP: Heidi is Labour's MP in Lewisham East. As a previouis campaign manager for Clothes Aid, she set up a national initiative to tackle illegitimate charity clothing collections and during this time developed a real passion for issues around international development. Heidi is keen to become a Women's Rights Champion for One World Action and was pleased to be asked to be an advocate for the More Women More Power campaign.
Caroline Lucas MP: As a supporter of the first phase of the More Women More Power campaign and as the leader of the Green Party - the only female leader of a Westminster political party in the UK - we are delighted to have Caroline's support.
"Women continue to be under represented both here in the UK and internationally. One World Action's More Women More Power campaign is fighting to redress the balance, and I am pleased to be one of their women's rights champions, speaking out for political equality around the world and standing up for women's right to be heard." Caroline Lucas MP
Emily Thornberry MP: One World Action's local Labour MP has always been very supportive of the More Women More Power message and helped us to launch the campaign in 2008. Her commitment to equalities campaigning has been reflected by her recent nomination as Stonewall MP of the year.
"I have worked closely with One World Action on the More Women More Power Campaign. They are doing a fantastic job of raising awareness of the need for more equal representation. The campaign is bringing women from all over the world together who demand to have their voices heard. I am proud to have such a brilliant organisation in my constituency." - Emily Thornberry MP
Penny Mordaunt MP: Conservative MP for Portsmouth North, Penny gained her interest in politics and international issues after working in hospitals and orphanages in Romania both before and during her time at university. She also has considerable experience in supporting the charity and voluntary sector - gained through Directing Diabetes UK and setting up Veterans Reunited.
Fiona O'Donnell MP: Labour MP for East Lotian, Fiona has extensive experience of working in the voluntary sector with children and families, and people with physical and learning disabilities.
"For me, international development is about much more than delivering clean water or new schools. It is about empowering people to take control of their own lives. It's not about want, or even about need - it is about 'can'. Empowering women so that they can change their own lives gets my 100% support." - Fiona O'Donnell MP
Yvonne Fovargue MP - New Labour MP for Makerfield, Yvonne has extensive experience of advocating for the rights of others as the Chief Executive of the Citzen's Advice Bureau in St Helens. Through One World Action, Yvonne is keen to meet and share experiences with women from around the world who are active in politics and believes that transparency is the key to ensuring higher levels of political participation for women.
Cathy Jamieson MP - With a background in social work advocating for young people in care and as previous Deputy Leader of the Labour Party in Scotand, Cathy has both the advocacy experience and political clout to be a fantastic Champion for the More Women More Power Campaign. As a member of the Scottish Parliament, Cathy backed the first phase of the campaign and we look forward to working closely with her as she embarks on her first term in Westminster.
“I am very proud to support the More Women More Power Campaign. There are many parts of the world, including here in the UK, where women continue to suffer from violence, discrimination and social exclusion. I believe that the work that One World Action do will help to tackle this injustice and I am looking forward to working closely with them on the campaign.” - Cathy Jamieson MP
Nicola Blackwood MP - Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon, Nicola has been interested in international development and human rights for many years. Nicola works with the Conservative Party Human Rights Group and is very pleased to be a Women’s Rights Champion for One World Action.
“There is cross-party support from More Women More Power Champions to take a stand and improve the role of women both here in the UK and abroad, and I am very proud to be a part of this important project.” - Nicola Blackwood MP
