In both politics and public life in the UK, women have historically been underrepresented.

Despite the narrative that women in the north are not as ‘active’ in frontline politics as women from other regions of the country, there are many examples that dispel that notion.

Achieving gender representation in public policy will require addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic barriers that prevent women from accessing not only professional structures but also social networks in the policy space.

As the country gears up for polls in June, women in politics speak out about refusing to be silenced despite the abuse and intimidation they face

The growth in the number of female leaders has plateaued around the world, while representation in national parliaments remains static