In our 50th year, the Young Fabians will launch a new programme for young women activists

By Marie-Noelle Loewe

The Fabians have always been the motor for progressive change in legislation and political culture, but we understand that our task never ends. At the age of 50, the Young Fabians have a lot to look back at and be proud of.

But we also know that we are still often perceived as an old boys club, and we believe that it is time to address this problem. There are about 2,000 Young Fabians. Out of these, only 700 are women. The female ratio among those YFs who run for office is even lower: out of the 30 candidates who stood for election for the YF Executive in the last year, only six were women. This pattern is repetitive: despite all women shortlists, quotas and equality legislation, the representation of (especially young) women in the public life is alarmingly lacking.

The reasons for this underrepresentation are manifold and sometimes controversial. Women are different. I know from my own experience that sometimes all that is needed to take up an active role in politics little bit of support. We as Young Fabians know of the value of encouraging the immense female potential and talent out there, and we understand the importance of getting more young women involved in the Labour Movement.

This is why, come March, we are going to launch a new programme especially aimed at young female activists: Young Fabian Women. We want to get people together who are not yet established in politics in order to create a space for them to get involved and exchange themselves with other female activists. Apart from hosting social events, we are also going to host a series of policy events which are especially aimed at young women. I believe that this will be an exciting new step for us. If you do want to learn more or get involved in Young Fabians Women, please get in touch with me on [email protected]