Putney Women in Parliament for International Women's Day

Hundreds of women from the Putney constituency were in the Houses of Parliament earlier this month to attend an even hosted by local MP Fleur Anderson.

Please find below a press release from Fleur Anderson MP on her celebration on International Women's Day, when she welcomed hundreds of women across Putney into Parliament.

The event was organised to make International Women’s day and brought together influential voices to discuss gender equality and the 2025 theme: "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."

Speakers at the event included Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Anneliese Dodds MP, Sarah Owen MP Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Pat Ingram of Roehampton BASE and Rachel Roberts who owns the shop Wishlist on Replingham Roads and is a local Southfields business leader. The event highlighted the urgent need to break down systemic barriers and create more opportunities for women and girls.

Ms Anderson said, “International Women’s Day is about celebrating the incredible contributions of women across our community and in positions of leadership nationally. It was amazing to hear from Pat Ingram who runs Roehampton Base, and Rachel from Southfields who does so much for women in business. These women work tirelessly to uplift and support our community, particularly other women and young girls.”

Pat Ingram, a key leader at Roehampton Youth Base, provides support to young people aged 10-19, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities. A cornerstone of the community, the Base offers a safe space where young people can build confidence, develop skills, and access life-changing opportunities. It runs a range of initiatives designed to empower young girls, including self-defence classes, mentorship programmes, and confidence-building workshops. These initiatives, co-designed with young people, aim to equip them with the resilience to navigate life’s challenges. Speaking at the event, Pat shared how the Base continues to transform young lives through dedicated support and innovative programmes.

The impact of Roehampton Youth Base has been widely recognised. Kate Stock, Wandsworth Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, praised its contribution saying, “Roehampton Youth Base is a lifeline for so many young people. It provides not just a safe space but real opportunities for personal growth. We are proud to support initiatives like these that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Pat’s invitation to Parliament is a testament to her dedication and the profound impact of the team at Roehampton Youth Base.”

Reflecting on the event, Pat Ingram said, “It was an incredible honour to share the work we do at Roehampton Youth Base on such a significant platform. Every young girl deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered to achieve her dreams. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still so much more to do.”

Rachel, from Southfields Wishlist, spoke about the importance of breaking down barriers and prioritising equal opportunities for women.

Youth Mayor Millie Quinn said, “It’s crucial that young people’s voices are heard and valued in shaping the future of our community, and that’s why I’m dedicated to ensuring their voices are at the heart of everything we do.”

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