SPEAKING about International Women's Day, Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire, said: “Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, but we also recognise how much further we still have to go.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a Parliament with 263 women elected—the highest number in history—and I’m honoured to be North Herefordshire’s first-ever female MP. It’s taken too long to get here, but every step forward matters. Because when more women are in the room, the conversation changes.

“But just being here isn’t enough—we have work to do. I’m working with women across Parliament, regardless of party, to tackle the issues that affect women the most. From confronting violence against women and girls to ending gender-based pay and pension disparities, these aren’t just women’s issues—they're issues of justice, fairness, and human rights.

“Women make up half the world—we deserve to have our voices fully heard. Let's keep fighting for a future where equality isn't up for debate.”