On Thursday 27 March, Sixth Form students watched an online event to mark Women’s History Month. During the session, Senior Parliamentary Archivist, Mari Takayanagi, shared a brief history of women in the House of Lords. Using real parliamentary artefacts, Mari reflected on the vital contributions that women, past and present, have made to the work of the House. For example,
students learned about Baroness Wootton of Abinger, the first woman life peer, who sponsored the Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act 1965, leading to the abolition of capital punishment for murder in the UK.
We were then be joined by Lady Doreen Lawrence OBE, campaigner and founder of the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. Lady Lawrence was made a Baroness in the House of Lords in 2013. Lady Lawrence shared her experiences by answering questions sent in by schools and the interviewer read out a question from Ponteland High. We asked: “Do you have any tips to help students develop their self-confidence and belief?”
Lady Lawrence replied: “…As part of society, we need to be able to speak up when we need to and not allow other things around us to make us mute….”
It was really fascinating to hear her speak! If you would like to watch the event, here is the link to the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ab6w1mzRtw