On Tuesday 6th February 2018, Jordhi Nullatamby, Member of the Youth Parliament for Thurrock will join the Prime Minister, Theresa May, at Parliament to mark 100 years since Parliament passed a law which allowed the first women, and all men, to vote for the first time. During the event, Nullatamby will address guests in Westminster Hall 100 years after the Representation of the People Act was passed, kicking off a year-long series of events and exhibitions commemorating the women and men who fought to achieve electoral equality.
The event, which will officially launch the UK Parliament’s Vote 100 campaign, is expected to be the largest gathering of the UK’s women politicians ever organised. All female Members of Parliament past and present have been invited to celebrate the pioneering women and men who fought for the right to vote, as well as the contribution of women to politics in the UK.
The Representation of the People Act 1918 extended the right to vote to all men over 21 and the first women, making this day one of the most important milestones in British democratic history. Opening this event as the UK’s second female Prime Minister, Mrs May will reflect on the enormous progress that has been made, but also on the vital campaigning work that continues today.
Jordhi Nullatamby, 17, Member of the Youth Parliament for Thurrock who will compère the event, said: “The Representation of the People Act 1918 was a vital step towards the rights women have today, and the centenary of the Act is an incredibly important opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come, thanks to the extreme bravery and sacrifice of the women who fought – and in some cases died – for equality.
“Nevertheless, the job is not yet complete. The fight for equality continues, and we must continue to campaign for legislation which ensures equal opportunities for all people. Hopefully, in the next 100 years, we will again be able to look back and celebrate the amazing strides we have made towards an even more equal society.”
Speaking ahead of the launch the Prime Minister, Theresa May, said: “I look forward to joining hundreds of female Parliamentarians, past and present, to celebrate this very special anniversary.
“I’m proud to say we have more women and more ethnic minority MPs in government than ever before – proving that we are committed to looking more like the country we serve.
“Everyone attending tonight will be there because of the heroic, tireless struggle of those who came before us. As well as remembering and giving thanks to those who came before us, we must also look at what more we can do to ensure everyone in the United Kingdom, regardless of background, has the freedom to play a full and active role in public life.”
UK Youth Parliament widely represents the changing face of modern Britain. 52% of the Members of the Youth Parliament are female and 32% are from a Black and Minority Ethnic background.