This year on International Women’s Day, Paulette Hamilton MP had the pleasure of celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in our community and Parliament.

On Erdington High Street, Paulette spoke with residents about the significance of this day. It was heartening to hear personal stories and reflections on the vital roles women play in our community, from leading local initiatives to supporting neighbourhood projects.

Paulette also joined the Friends of Erdington Library’s coffee morning. Listening to their experiences reinforced the importance of grassroots efforts in championing community spirit and driving positive change. Paulette extended her deepest gratitude to all involved for their unwavering commitment to our community.

In Parliament, Paulette participated in the International Women’s Day debate, where she highlighted the pressing issue of disparities in mental health. Black people are four times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act – a stark inequality that demands urgent attention. Paulette urged her colleagues to prioritise addressing this disparity to ensure fairer mental health care for all.

This year’s International Women’s Day is particularly significant as it coincides with a historic milestone: the highest number of female MPs ever elected to the UK Parliament. Following the 2024 general election, 263 women now serve as Members of Parliament, comprising 40% of the House of Commons.  This progress reflects our collective strides toward gender equality in political representation.

However, the journey is far from complete. We must continue to call for equal representation across all sectors and address systemic inequalities that hinder progress.