Spring Soiree

An eclectic group of Pink Shoe ambassadors and guests gathered for the Spring Soiree on the very last day of Parliament before the General Election. 












Along with fabulous food and fizz in convivial company we also captured images of guests for our #VotingMatters campaign leading up to 7 May. The amazing Afua took the pictures and these will unfold over the coming weeks. 

Of course we found time too for the usual excellent networking with our brilliant and inspiring guests - sharing ideas, connections and business cards. 

The Women Who #MakeitHappen in Parliament

The second of our events to mark International Women's Day followed this year's theme of the women who 'make it happen'. 

This is certainly true of our host, Baroness Howells of St Davids who gave us a unique insight to her journey from Grenada to the House of Lords. Lady Howells has always championed equality and diversity and was an inspiring start to the afternoon. 



We then peeped behind the scenes of the Palace of Westminster to discover some of the extraordinary women who contribute in so many diverse ways to the success of Parliament and the smooth running of our UK democracy. 




We heard from women who work in this historic building, those who participate in the work of the House and add to all aspects of our Parliamentary process and those who keep and create its legacy.  

IWD Lecture at House of Commons

For International Women’s Day many members and friends attended some excellent events at the Palace of Westminster. 

The first event at the House of Commons was an excellent talk from Mary Branson, Artist-in-Residence to Women’s Suffrage. 




Mary was appointed to research and design a permanent work of art to commemorate women's suffrage for Parliament and she truly made the art work come to life with her insights and knowledge. We can't wait to view the piece once its installed!

We then enjoyed the IWD Annual Lecture organised by the Curator’s office. Helen Langley, historian and former modern political manuscripts curator at the Bodleian Library, spoke engagingly about Irene Ward MP, a doughty parliamentarian and campaigner.

Irene Ward left school at 16 and earned a living as a secretary.  She stood as a parliamentary candidate in the 1924 and 1929 elections and in 1931 was elected Conservative MP for Wallsend, thus starting a long and active parliamentary career.  

A formidable and independent-minded backbencher who achieved much, especially for disadvantaged groups,  she retired when she was 79 having served as an MP for an impressive 38 years!

Then followed a reception and the opportunity to view the stunning exhibition of images of women in Parliament, taking up the first floor of Portcullis House.