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People protesting. In focus woman with megaphone Women and the Vote 2008 logo: Tilted purple box with white writing 'Women the Vote 2008'

…a year for celebration

2008 marks 90 years since the Representation of the People Act finally gave some women the right to vote. It is also 80 years since women won the right to vote on equal terms with men, and the start of democratic representation as we know it today.

Join in the celebrations surrounding these events and organise your own! Stay tuned for updates on the latest research and events.

…a year for reflection

2008 is also a time to reflect on how far we've really come to equality.

The sad reality is that Britain has only 126 female MPs in a Parliament of 646. In the equality stakes both established and emerging democracies from every continent have left us lagging behind. 90 years on and there is still so much more that needs to be done.

…a year to take action

This is why this year a number of civil society organisations have decided to come together and make the year 2008 the Year of Women & the Vote.

The aim is to put the issue back at the top of the Government agenda and to use the momentum to bring about change!