Ethnic Minority Women Councillors' Taskforce

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women are still under-represented in the democratic life of this country. 

Only two women MPs come from minority ethnic communities and BAME women account for less than one per cent of England's 20,000 Councillors while they make up more than 5 per cent of the population.

To create a more representative picture the number of BAME women councillors needs to increase more than five-fold – from just 149 to nearer a thousand.

A cross party BAME Women Councillors' Taskforce was established in May 2008 to help make local councils more representative of the community. Members were women from a wide range of backgrounds and experience from every region in England and from Scotland and Wales.

The Taskforce explored and developed practical ways to encourage BAME women to become councillors and champions of their communities.  It  worked closely with a number of partners including the political parties to successfully deliver its objectives as well as a series of events around the country to attract and engage women.

 The Task Force published a report of its work and findings in October 2009.

Hard copies are available from  womencouncillorstaskforce@geo.gsi.gov.uk