International Women’s Day 2025 (Credit: House of Commons)
International Women’s Day is a significant occasion for me. It serves as a dual opportunity: first, to advocate for the rights of women who encounter hardships, and second, to bring attention to the disproportionate challenges faced by women and girls worldwide. This includes everything from violence in the UK to the suppression of rights in places like Afghanistan.
The day also allows us to shine a light on the progress made for women and girls. Reflecting on my path in Parliament, I confidently stepped forward to chair the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee after much consideration. My previous experience as shadow minister for Northern Ireland equipped me to hold the government accountable effectively. Scrutiny is foundational to democracy, and I have always been vocal about the need for accountability and transparency.
With female chairs, we have the potential for more thoughtful and considered scrutiny.
Historically, the leadership landscape in the UK Parliament has been predominantly male. Select committees, which are vital for examining government policies and holding ministers accountable, have long been male-led.
Now, following the general election last May, all three devolved affairs committees had male chairs, but that has changed dramatically. We now have three prominent women leading these crucial committees: my Labour colleagues Patricia Ferguson and Ruth Jones chair the Scottish and Welsh Affairs Committees respectively. This shift signifies a strong message about dismantling entrenched gender barriers in political leadership.
As a Welsh MP, I understand the importance of discussing the sanctity of the union in Westminster. While devolution is crucial, we must not overlook the value of the devolved nations. The Northern Ireland, Scottish, and Welsh affairs committees offer essential platforms for representing these nations and breaking through the Westminster bubble.
With oral questions for departments occurring only every six weeks, these committees play a crucial role in ensuring devolution functions effectively. When it fails, they are indispensable for seeking accountability. Recently, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has been vital amidst the stagnation of power-sharing in Stormont.
Ruth Jones, chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, emphasized a cross-party approach in the St David’s Day debate to benefit the people of Wales. She has positioned the committee as a supportive ally, already securing significant evidence and commitments from key figures in the Welsh government—both women, Jo Stevens and Eluned Morgan, who are leading advancements for Wales.
Chairing a select committee can pose challenges, especially concerning sensitive topics. Currently, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is working on inquiries related to legacy issues. Research indicates that women often adopt collaborative leadership styles that prioritize inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus-building—qualities that are invaluable in addressing complex matters that necessitate balanced solutions. Having female chairs enhances the potential for more thoughtful scrutiny, benefiting the committees’ overall effectiveness.
Increasing the representation of women in power roles within Parliament sends a strong message to young women and girls: politics is not solely for men. As we aim for a more balanced future, I hope that, as select committee chairs, we are contributing to a more inclusive, efficient, and equitable political system in the UK.
