Centenary Action

Centenary Action is a membership organisation which campaigns for the UK parliament to be made up of 50% women by 2028. It also supports broader women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Centenary Action was founded in 2018 to mark the centenary of some women in the UK getting the right to vote and was inspired by the work of the suffragettes and suffragists.
The organisation works across political parties. It brings together local, national and international organisations. Centenary Action advocates for the development, improvement and implementation of laws and policies that reduce or remove the barriers to women's participation. It has a strong focus on the intersectional issues as they affect women. Centenary Action has over 100 members including organisations such as the Fawcett Society, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Electoral Reform Society.
It was founded, and is convened by Helen Pankhurst, the granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst and great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst.
Centenary Action is hosted by CARE International UK (Charity no: 292506) who provides operational and administrative support.
Centenary Action campaign successes
Centenary Action has helped to deliver a number of campaign successes:
* MPs can now proxy vote while on parental leave with a permanent fund established for parental leave thanks to Centenary Action working with others.
* Lobbying by a number of organisations including Centenary Action led to a government commitment to establish a new fund for disabled candidates by 2025.
* Centenary Action lobbying led to improved support now available for those facing sexual harassment in parliament as well as training for candidates.
* Advocacy by Centenary Action secured a debate on online abuse against women, impacting the drafting of the Online Harms bill.
* Working with The Fawcett Society, Centenary Action convened women's organisations to campaign in the 2024 General Election.
Media coverage
Centenary Action has received extensive media coverage, including:
* The Times: "We still lack gender equality in politics"
* Apple Podcasts: "The power of the female vote with Helen Pankhurst CBE, women's rights activist, scholar and writer2
* The Standard: "Suffragette great-granddaughter: We want to galvanise women to get out and vote"
* Politics.co.uk "The urgent need for more women MPs: how to ensure progress beyond the election."

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