British Parliament From 1914-1914

Women’s entry in British parliament was not related to presence only, females MPs played a great role in participating and introducing laws and acts. From the early beginning, women used their authority as MPs to ask for reforms and changes in parliament. Their main focus was first put on the improvement of women and children’s conditions, in addition to their intervention in other national and international affairs.

Private members Bills were effective means for raising women's concerns in both Houses of parliament. Women MPs used it to depict the hard circumstances of women and children. Many of the Private members Bills became laws or brought changes on governmental legislations. The Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 was passed as government's response to Women's Emancipation Bill 1919. It permitted women to be involved in judiciary system and law. At last, women could be appointed as judge on jurors. Additionally, parliamentary legislations were called to protect girls from rude
This issue was introduced first by the Duchess of Atholl in parliament in 1929. In 1985, the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act was passed to put an end to this practice. Another milestone for women was the Equality Pay Act 1970 where balance between the two sexes was finally achieved. Equality was in terms of wages and payments between men and women. It aimed also to eliminate discrimination in employment against both sexes. Legislations looked also after the protection of women from any form of violence at home under the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1976.It permitted the intervention of police in such cases to assure security. Equality and discrimination were well stated in the Equality Act 2010. Parliament became more considered about the establishment of equality and avoiding gender discrimination. (Oonagh Gay and Richard Cracknell,