As the only female MP in South Staffordshire, and only the 433rd female MP ever, Amanda used the debate as an opportunity to speak about the importance of the Young Enterprise scheme and its role in inspiring teenage girls to consider becoming entrepreneurs and business leaders. This came a week after she raised the profile of the Young Enterprise initiative in last week's Prime Minister's Questions, having recently attended a Young Enterprise Trade Fair where teams from local schools, including Rugeley Sixth Form Academy, showcased their business ideas.
Amanda’s comments in the debate were preceded by her involvement in a session questioning representatives and business leaders from the computer and video games industry, as part of the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee's inquiry into the digital economy. Amanda was disappointed to hear from the witnesses that women are currently under-represented in this industry and she was keen to understand why this is the case, whether this is an issue faced in other countries too and what can be done do to address this imbalance.
Amanda Milling said: “As the only female MP in South Staffordshire, I had the unique opportunity to speak up for women and girls in our part of the county. I wanted to again raise the importance of the Youth Enterprise programme as great way to spark young people’s and, in particular teenage girls', interest in business and entrepreneurship. Earlier in the day I also questioned leaders from the digital business sector to understand why women are under-represented in the industry and what can be done to address this.”
Parliament marked International Women's Day with a backbench business debate in the House of Commons Chamber where MPs were able to promote the role that women can play in business and politics, as well as some of the challenges and issues faced by women across the world.
Amanda added: "Whilst there are now 191 female MPs in Parliament we need to do much more to ensure women are better represented at all levels of politics. After all, I am only the 433rd female MP ever! The debate on International Women’s Day was a great opportunity for MPs to encourage women to consider politics as a career as well as air so many issues facing women, not only in this country, but across the world.”