Lewes MP Maria Caulfield has closed the House of Commons debate on International Women’s Day on behalf of the government for the second year running.
International Women’s Day is held each year on the 8th March and a debate to recognise was held on Thursday 11th March. Maria Caulfield MP, Assistant Government Whip and former Conservative Party Vice Chairman for Women, closed the House of Commons debate for the government again. Last year Maria Caulfield MP closed the International Women’s Day debate on behalf of the government because the Minister for women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch MP, was on maternity leave.
The focus of Maria Caulfield’s speech was the role of women during the pandemic and the vital roles played by the female dominated workforces in nursing and care. Maria Caulfield MP returned to nursing on the Covid19 wards during the height of the pandemic last year and used her speech to pay tribute to her colleagues and all those who have served over the last twelve months to fight Covid19. The Lewes MP also encouraged the next generation of women to choose a career in science, which has traditionally been male dominated.
Maria Caulfield also highlighted the UN theme of women’s leadership and the importance of securing an equal future in the post Covid19 word.
Maria Caulfield MP said “It was an honour last year to make my first appearance at the government Despatch Box to close the debate on International Women’s Day and I am delighted to have been asked to do so again this year. Having returned to nursing to help fight Covid19 I paid tribute to my wonderful nursing colleagues and other medical care and caring staff who have all gone above and beyond for their patients and residents over the last year.”
“I also encouraged young women and girls to consider careers in what have previously been male dominated sectors like science, in which so many wonderful things have happened during this pandemic to see us begin to beat Covid19.”
