Westminster Abbey and Women in Democracy

As part of a programme of events for Parliament Week, Valerie met with a group of young students to talk about women in democracy on Monday 18 November 2013. This was organised by the Education team of Westminster Abbey.
Valerie said:
“The students first had a tour of the Westminster Abbey and the role women played in history was highlighted. I met the students to discuss my role as an MP and to answer their questions. I reminded them that women were not allowed in the Chamber. I explained that women did not have the vote and many women struggled to ensure that women have a voice in our country. Emily Wilding Davison, a suffragette, hid in a broom cupboard in Parliament on the night of the 1911 census so her address would be recorded as being ‘The House of Commons’ and she would have the same political rights as men.The questions ranged from what an MP does and what I did before I was an MP to how to become an MP. The Education Service should be congratulated on organising the event and is an important way to engage young people in how parliament works and democracy.”
The Westminster Abbey Education Service put on many events such as one on the Great Victorians or Super Scientists. For more information about the Westminster Abbey Education Service see the website: http://www.westminster-abbey.org/education