Minority women targeted for political involvement
Monday, 19 May 2008 12:01 AM
A new drive to persuade more black, Asian and minority ethnic women to become councilors is being launched by the government today.
The government has launched a new taskforce to help more black, Asian and minority ethnic women to become councillors.
Women and equality minister Harriet Harman backed the proposal which aims to make councils more representative of the community.
The taskforce will be chaired by Baroness Uddin, the first Muslim woman in the House of Lords and a prominent figure in the black and Asian community.
Other members invited to contribute to the taskforce will include councillors from across Britain, from all ethnicities and political parties.
Ms Harman said: "Empowering black, Asian and minority ethnic women in public life is a key priority for government. They are a force for good within their communities, and in building bridges between communities.
"Their contribution must be better recognised and supported and we need our local councils to better reflect the local community."
Only 168 out of 20,000 councillors across the country are black, Asian or minority ethnic women, less than one per cent, despite the fact they make up more than five per cent of the population.
The government hopes that the introduction of the taskforce will help address this issue by providing mentoring and holding outreach events in community centres. The taskforce will also work with campaign groups such as Operation Black Vote (OBV).
Simon Woolley, executive advisor to the taskforce and director of OBV, said: "There is no shortage of talented black and minority ethnic women who, given half a chance, would make excellent councillors and MPs.
"The challenge, therefore, is to break down barriers whilst encouraging these talented women to come forward. OBV is pleased to be part of this exciting initiative."
The taskforce is expected to last 12 months before reporting its findings.
Newsletter sign up