Over £400k awarded to organisations increasing diversity in politics

Announced by the Minister for Women, 17 large projects across the UK have been awarded £406,667 to increase diversity in politics.

The new support, from a £1.5m government fund, will back local projects supporting women and young people - especially disabled people, LGBTQ people and those from black and minority ethnic groups, to get involved in democracy and politics.

The organisations will set up programmes directly benefitting at least 2347 people. This includes making documentaries celebrating women’s involvement in social groups, participating in a mock House of Commons debate, and building a website encouraging people with learning disabilities to vote.

Minister for Women, Victoria Atkins, said: “The brave women who fought for the equal rights of women and men to vote must be honoured.

“Today, we have the highest number of women in history sitting in the House of Commons. However, at only 32 per cent, women MPs have a long way to go before we see true equality.

“This year, we are not just celebrating the achievements of the women who came before us - we are helping women here and now to take action to benefit the women of the next 100 years.”

The grant scheme is part of a £5m centenary fund to open politics to the public - celebrating the centenary, educating young people about its significance, and encouraging more women to get involved.

The rest of the funding is being spent on the likes of the first ever statue of a woman in Parliament Square, of Millicent Fawcett.

As well as this, local events and activities in the Centenary Cities (seven English cities and towns with a strong suffrage history) and a suite of education programmes and resources on democracy for young people.