Hackney pupil ‘inspired’ by time at the frontline of Westminster’s equalities movement

Star equalities: Jemimah Lumbu. Photograph: Cardinal Pole Catholic School

A student from Cardinal Pole Catholic School recently got the chance to soak up the work of policymakers leading the battle for gender parity in politics and business – calling it a “motivational and inspirational” experience.

Fifteen-year-old Jemimah Lumbu was selected to do two weeks’ work experience at the Government Equalities Office, which designs legislation relating to women, sexual orientation and transgender equality.

In her time there, Jemimah had an opportunity to meet campaigners and politicians, carry out social media duties for the Women’s Equality Party, and help the Women’s Business Council (WBC) in its drive to increase the number of female chief executives in big business.

She also attended an event called ‘Ask Her to Stand’, organised by the 50:50 Parliament campaign and aimed at encouraging women into politics – men currently outnumber women by two to one in parliament.

Jemimah said: “The Government Equalities Office provided me with a wide range of activities and a professional view for my future. It was truly phenomenal.”

She said her time with the WBC led to her working on a FTSE 350 project, “in which we observed and used data to see how many women were CEOs or on executive boards”.

She added: “We worked hard and I was able to put forward strategies which could potentially change big businesses so they have more women as CEOs or on their boards.”

Jemimah said another memorable highlight was the ‘Ask Her to Stand’ event.

“It was an event which encouraged young ladies to get involved with parliament because parliament should be 50 per cent men and 50 per cent women,” she explained.

“I met amazing politicians like [former Newham councillor] Seyi Akiwowo. I also met Catherine Mayer, a co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party.”

Jemimah was so inspired by the occasion that she decided to join the 50:50 campaign.

She added: “Today I can say I am a 50:50 ambassador because I’m passionate about reducing gender bias and any stereotype when people think about parliament.”

She said the work experience as a whole gave her “motivation and was hugely inspirational”.

“It provided me with better communication skills,” she said. “I met some truly amazing people who I never thought I’d meet. I am so grateful for the time and to the people that worked with me.”

To find out more about the Government Equalities Office, head to gov.uk/government-equalities-office