Local MP Mary Macleod celebrated International Women’s Day on Thursday 8 March by inviting young women from her local schools to shadow her for the day in Parliament. The seven students who were nominated by their head teachers to participate in the day were: Tulsi Hansla (Heathland School Yr 12), Anastasia Gallon (Brentford School for Girls Yr 10), Flora Ramsay (Chiswick Community School Yr 13), Lizzie Rodipe (Isleworth & Syo Yr 12), Katrina Kelly (Gumley House Yr 13) and Anisha Gurung and Sneha Lopes (Hounslow Manor School Yr 11).

Mary and the students attended a number of events to mark the day, among them a Women for Women International rally on the Millennium Bridge with Cherie Blair QC and afternoon tea with the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt. Hon John Bercow MP, in the Speaker’s State Apartments.

The theme for the day was ‘Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures’.  MPs from across all parties were encouraged to take part and inspire young women who are interested in politics or taking a leading role in the community by inviting them to Parliament.

Mary commented, “I was absolutely delighted to see so many MPs taking part and inspiring the next generation of future leaders. March 8th marks the 101st International Women's Day - a day when people across the world come together to recognise and reflect on the role that women play in society."

"The theme for 2012 is "connecting girls, inspiring futures” and there will be a range of events taking place around the world, not least here in Parliament where there will be a number of seminars and debates to discuss the role of women and girls."

"Still in this country there are discrepancies in the achievements of women, whether we look at the number of women at senior levels in business or in public office, the gender pay gap, or we compare the number of women setting up businesses in this country compared to other developed nations."

"Part of our challenge is to inspire young women and encourage them to consider all the options available to them. Too often we don't encourage girls to aim higher, build their confidence and make the best use of their talents in whatever field they choose to apply them."

"As Chair of the APPG for Women in Parliament, I wanted to bring the theme of "connecting girls, inspiring futures" to life.  So we have encouraged MPs to invite a girl from their constituency to visit Parliament on International Women’s Day to shadow them, listen to the Parliamentary debate on women and meet each other at a special event at Speaker's House in the afternoon. In a small way, we hope to inspire this group of girls, show them the workings of Parliament and, who knows, maybe nurture some future Members of Parliament!"

"The best way to inspire the next generation of women is by role models and example. That is why it is important that we promote the role that women play, not just in politics but in each area of life, especially business. If women in the UK started businesses at the same rate as those in the US, there would be approximately 600,000 extra women-owned businesses, contributing an estimated £42 bn to the economy."

"I welcome the Government’s plans for a Women’s Business Council to advise on this issue and the funding for 5,000 additional business mentors to support women entrepreneurs. The work of Startup Britain, endorsed by the Government, also helps entrepreneurs regardless of gender.  These are great first steps which we can build on in the future."

"A lot has changed since the first International Women’s Day in 1911. But we need to continue to fight for equal opportunities for men and women to encourage everyone to aspire to achieve their potential in life. This is essential if we want to grow and develop our country for the future."