A hundred years ago, women won the qualified right to vote. In the ensuing hundred years, we have seen the rise of many women in politics, much legislation that benefits women’s lives and, more recently, the resurgence of a powerful and intersectional global feminism. But something is still very wrong in our body politic and in civic society, particularly for women without power, influence or ‘voice.’ In this talk, I want to reflect on enduring achievements, new dangers and disputes, and how we might craft a more inclusive and effective politics for the 21st century.

Melissa Benn is a writer and campaigner. She has published numerous articles and essays for publications as diverse as Public Finance and the London Review of Books, and is currently a regular contributor to the Guardian and New Statesman. She has published eight books including two novels and her non-fiction includes the highly acclaimed School Wars: The Battle for Britain’s Education (2011) and What Should We Tell Our Daughters? The Pleasures and Perils of Growing Up Female (2013). She is on the board of the Oxford Women in Humanities group and chair of the national campaign group Comprehensive Future.

Refreshments will be available from 5.00pm onwards.

This lecture is free and all are welcome to attend.

The Keele Nursery will be open and free of charge for staff and students attending the lecture.

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