Earlier today, Nickie Aiken MP called on the Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP to mark International Women’s Day with a debate in the House.
Nickie Aiken said
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I add my voice to those Members who have highlighted the importance of marking International Women's Day this year.
The theme this year is Choose to Challenge with events across the country and abroad celebrating women's achievements and in raising awareness of the inequality and bias that sadly still remain for too many women and girls across the globe.
On behalf of the APPG for Women in Parliament chaired by my Right Honourable Friend, the Member for Basingstoke, will my Right Honourable Friend please agree to a debate in this place in government time to mark International Women's Day?
Mr Rees-Mogg replied
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would refer my honourable friend to the answer I gave earlier that this is a matter for the Backbench Business Committee and it's why it was given so much time in the chamber so that it could take care of these very important debates such as the one we are having later on today for the Holocaust Memorial.
But I would add that the government really prioritises the rights of women and has done a great deal of work in terms of its international aid budget regarding the education of women and girls, to ensure that girls up to the age of 12 receive an education and therefore it is a governmental priority.
The Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, added.
Can I just add to that. The House Service will also be recognising International Women's Day.
