Local MP Mark Pawsey was shadowed by Mollie Bignell, a local 6th form student at Bilton School, as part of International Women’s Day on 12th March 2015. Mollie, who won the opportunity given to sixth form students in Rugby, spent the day in Parliament with Mark Pawsey MP and was able to visit the Chamber of the House of Commons and No. 10 as part of the visit, run across Parliament to highlight the importance of International Women’s Day. Mollie also attended a debate held in Westminster Hall in which Mark spoke.
The debate, secured as part of International Women’s Day was focused on the issues surrounding violence against women. During it, Mark highlighted the work being done by the KAIZA Project in Rugby, which works with survivors of domestic violence and female genital mutilation in Rugby. The debate, aiming to draw attention to the serious issues of violence suffered by women and girls in the UK as well as abroad, saw many MPs discussing the issues and what action could be taken to help survivors of abuse.
Mark said:
“I was very pleased to welcome Mollie to Parliament. It was a good opportunity for her to see the work done by Members of Parliament and business we attend to. During the day, Mollie was able to visit many of the key areas in Westminster including a tour of No. 10 Downing Street. She was also able to shadow me as I went about my Parliamentary business.”
Mark continued:
“International Women’s Day is a vital celebration of the challenges and issues that face women throughout the world and an opportunity to draw attention to issues that are sometimes sadly neglected. I was very pleased to speak in the debate on violence towards women and highlight the invaluable work done by the KAIZA project, whom I had the opportunity to visit and learn more about what they do for survivors of domestic abuse and FGM.”
Mollie Bignell, of Bilton School said:
“I have never been so overwhelmed when I was told I had been picked to take part in such an opportunity. It was easily one of the most rewarding days I've ever had and I can't thank Mark enough for offering me such a once in a lifetime experience. It has only pushed me more in terms of getting to where I want to be in the future.”
Mark concluded:
“International Women’s Day was an excellent opportunity to welcome young people like Mollie to Parliament to show them the work that MP’s do there. I hope that she enjoyed the day and took away from it the work that Parliament does throughout the year.”