The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the Commonwealth Secretariat brought together current and former elected representatives and experts in gender equality for a hybrid Rule of Law Seminar focused on advancing the participation of young women in politics. The event was held at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat Headquarters, on 13 May 2026. 

The event was chaired by Professor Sarah Childs, Chair of Politics and Gender at the University of Edinburgh, with panellists including: 

• Hon. Tanya August-Phillips, MLC, a Member of the Isle of Man Parliament (Tynwald) and the inaugural winner of the CPA New Parliamentarian Award.
• Cylcia Manwa, a former councillor on Thurrock Council in Essex. At the time of her election, she was one of the youngest councillors in the United Kingdom.
• Adriana Quiñones, Chief of the Human Rights and Non-Discrimination section at UN Women and Deputy Head of the UN Women Geneva Office.
• Hon. Samantha Marshall, former MP, Senator and Cabinet Minister from Antigua and Barbuda. 

The seminar was opened by Dr Elizabeth Macharia, Adviser and Head of the Rule of Law Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat, who highlighted the financial barriers that prevent women candidates across the Commonwealth from competing in elections.

CPA Gender Lead, Bénite Dibateza then welcomed delegates and highlighted some of the initiatives the CPA is undertaking to empower young women in politics, including conducting gender audits of Parliaments and encouraging their adoption of gender-sensitive guidelines.

During the session, panellists stressed the importance of creating safer and more supportive political environments for future generations, including listening to women already in politics. They noted that age does not determine competence, that Parliaments have a role in providing a supportive framework for women Members and that representation without influence is not inclusion.

UN Women's Adriana Quiñones said:

"The fact that the political parties are not necessarily supporting women - not understanding the challenges they face as mothers or as members of families where they have other caring obligations is a huge barrier to women's equal participation. At UN Women we're also fighting to end discriminatory laws so that all women have the right to participate."

Hon. Samantha Marshall from Antigua and Barbuda said:

"As a woman in public office, it's crucial to remain true to yourself and to who you are. To young women thinking of getting into politics, my advice is to join organisations that are actively fighting for women's empowerment."

CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg and Latoya McDowald-Hurley, Legal Officer at the Commonwealth Secretariat Rule of Law Section, closed the seminar.

The proposals shared during the discussion will help inform the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Women’s Forum ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026, due to be held in Antigua and Barbuda this November.

-ENDS-

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.