For the First Time in a Century, Progress May Reverse

By Hannah Stevens

Our democracy is a precious, hard-won thing. Today, on election day, we are reminded of that. And who gets to stand within it - who is seen, heard, and elected - matters more than we often admit. Since the first women had their name on ballot papers in the 19th century, followed by equal franchise in 1928, Britain has witnessed over a hundred years of gradual, often painstakingly slow progress - but progress nonetheless. Each election cycle has brought with it small but meaningful increases in the number of women representing our communities—from parish councils to Westminster.

**But now, for the first time in a century, we face the very real prospect of that progress going into reverse.**

Whilst the votes are still being cast, we now know the candidates for all the parties and independents whose names will be on the ballots in elections taking place for Welsh Senedd, Scottish Parliament and local councils across England.

The number of women candidates has dropped, and looking at polling we can anticipate that the number of women elected to those spaces will drop too.

This anticipated decline in women’s political representation is not just disappointing - it is deeply problematic.

It signals not only a setback for gender equality, but a weakening of our democratic health overall. Because representation is not a cosmetic issue; it is foundational. When women - who make up more than half the population - are underrepresented in decision-making spaces, democracy itself becomes less reflective, less trusted, and less effective.

There is a persistent myth that we already live in a meritocracy - that anyone, regardless of gender, can step forward and succeed in politics. But this simply does not hold up under scrutiny.

When we examine the full journey required to get a name on a ballot paper, patterns emerge. At every stage - selection processes, party cultures, financial barriers, media narratives - women face disproportionate challenges.

This is not about individual failure. It is about systemic design.

A system, by definition, is a set of interconnected parts working together toward a common outcome. When that outcome consistently disadvantages a particular group, it is not coincidence - it is structure. And in this case, the structure is failing women.

We know, too, that this matters beyond fairness. Research consistently shows that when there are more women at the decision-making table, societies benefit. There are higher levels of public trust, lower levels of corruption, and more collaborative, less adversarial approaches to governance. Gender-balanced democracies are not just more equal - they are more resilient.

There are over **360 women from the Elect Her community whose names are on ballot papers today**, across the full breadth of political parties and independents.

We are so so proud of each and every one of them for taking on the task of stepping forward as potential representatives in our precious democracy.

Each of these women are to be celebrated, whatever the outcome in their individual ballots. They deserve a system that enables them to thrive as they step in to participate and as they are elected. We all do.

At a time when trust in institutions, information, and leadership is already under strain, the consequences of declining representation feel particularly urgent. If people do not see themselves reflected in power, their faith in the system erodes.

And once that trust is lost, it is incredibly difficult to rebuild.

**Of course, political winds play a role. Shifts in ideological direction can influence candidate diversity, and some parties are fielding significantly fewer women than others.**

But it would be too easy - and too incomplete - to lay responsibility solely at the feet of political parties. This is a systemic issue, and systems require collective responsibility.

Political institutions themselves - Parliaments, councils, devolved bodies - must take a long, hard look at their cultures and working practices. Too often, behaviours that would be unacceptable in any other workplace are tolerated, even normalised. If these spaces are not safe, inclusive, and sustainable, women will continue to be pushed out.

Political parties have a critical role to play. As gatekeepers to candidacy, they must examine not only who joins their ranks, but how those individuals are supported, selected, and retained. Yet many local parties are volunteer-led, often without the resources or expertise needed to build truly inclusive environments. Expecting them to solve this alone is unrealistic.

Governments, too, must step up. Investment in democratic education - both within schools and through non-partisan public initiatives - is essential. We cannot rely solely on parties to train and prepare future candidates. We invest heavily in developing elite athletes; why not apply the same seriousness to those who shape our laws and policies?

Ultimately, what is needed is a modernisation agenda - one that refreshes the culture, structures, and expectations of our political system.

Feminist principles - fairness, inclusion, shared power, and respect - are not niche ideals. They are the building blocks of a healthier democracy, one that works better for everyone.

The decline we are facing is not inevitable. But reversing it will require action from every part of the system. Because democracy does not strengthen itself—it is shaped by the choices we make, and the voices we choose to include.