Shared Passions

Glass ceiling

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about why more women aren’t involved in politics. Ever since the general election, the hot topic for discussion is definitely focussed on this issue, but working women in politics (or a lack thereof) is definitely tied to other pressing social concerns, such as how to support working parents, cutting child tax credits, flexible working hours and improving nurseries. Giving families a choice of childcare options they can feel comfortable about is the name of the day.

A couple of Sundays ago I was up at the Hampstead women-only bathing pool, chatting to my friend Emilia, who has recently returned from visiting her family in Sweden. While on holiday, she was drawn out of curiosity to an article in a local newspaper all about what the Swedes think about the English. This Swedish newspaper was quick to highlight the lack of female MPs and representatives in the UK parliament. Why indeed is this the case, we asked ourselves? And so began our discussion in the light of recent political events.

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