MP for Washington and Sunderland West Sharon Hodgson invited a sixth form student to attend Westminister this week as part of International Women’s Day.
The MP welcomed 18-year-old Katie Grant, a student at St Robert of Newminster School, to promote gender equality for women in politics and the wider world.
Ms Grant shadowed Sharon Hodgson for the day to question Members of Parliament who sit on the Women and Equalities Select Committee.
The day also included a visit to 10 Downing Street and the chance to watch the International Women’s Day debate in the House of Commons from the public gallery in Parliament.
Katie was one of nine young women, selected out of 75 other young women, also shadowing their Member of Parliament on the day.
The group of 75 students from across the UK also took part in a workshop ran by Frances Scott, founder of the 50:50 Parliament campaign and her team.
The young women were able to share ideas about how further female representation in Parliament can be achieved.
Sharon Hodgson MP said: “It was wonderful to give Katie the opportunity to come to London and gain first hand experience about the work of an MP here in Parliament to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“Politics continues to be a male-dominated arena that is why it was refreshing to see so many young women coming to Parliament to further their interest in politics and participate in the political events of the day.
“I hope the young women from across the country, especially Katie, enjoyed their day and I hope they were all inspired to get more involved in politics and will one day consider standing as Parliamentary candidates.”
Katie, who took part in the day, added: “I feel so lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity to visit Parliament, participate in the select committee and visit 10 Downing Street.
“The whole day was amazing and something that will never be forgotten.”