Menstrual Health Is Political - So Why Isn’t Parliament 50:50?
Politics isn’t just for the few - it’s for all of us. But for way too long, women’s voices have been left out of the rooms where the big decisions get made. And when women aren’t in the room? Issues like menstrual health, caregiving, and gender-based violence fall off the radar. That’s why WUKA is proud to team up with 50:50 Parliament - a powerhouse micro-charity fighting to balance the scales of power.
Their mission?
Equal seats at the table. Equal say in shaping our future.
So, we’re handing the mic over to the brilliant team at 50:50 to tell you more about how they’re changing the face of politic - one woman at a time.
About 50:50 Parliament
50:50 is delighted to be partnered with WUKA to promote the need for women’s leadership in the political arena. Without women in the room, issues that affect women - including menstrual health and women’s health more generally - are neglected. Representation shapes policy and policy shapes lives. Research clearly shows that more women in leadership - and more diversity more broadly - leads to better outcomes for all.
How you can help 50:50 Parliament
Purchasing WUKA pants via this link will help support 50:50 - a tiny charity dedicated to shifting the balance on who holds power. Wake Up Kick Ass!
50:50 is an non-partisan movement and a micro charity with mega ambitions! We exist to flood our political parties with diverse and talented women candidates and to fix our political systems so they are places where women can thrive. We are dedicated to fighting for equal representation on our elected bodies, supporting women to stand for elected office, through our Sign Up to Stand campaign.
At the heart of 50:50 Parliament’s mission is the belief that a properly inclusive democracy - one in which women and men sit together in equal numbers - leads to better decision-making and a stronger society. The charity works to inspire, support, and encourage women to consider political leadership and to break down the barriers that prevent them from standing for election.
#AskHerToStand
Our campaign #AskHerToStand, urges individuals to look around them and encourage the brilliant women in their networks and communities (who are often doing the work already to lift up those around them) to consider standing for elected office. This simple but powerful action aims to shift the culture and build a groundswell of potential women candidates. 50:50’s #SignUpToStand initiative offers support to women who are interested in entering politics. Participants receive guidance on how to progress, ensuring women are not only inspired but also equipped to take the next steps toward political leadership.
The impact of 50:50 Parliament
Since its creation, 50:50 Parliament has made a considerable impact. More than 50,000 people signed apetition calling for gender-balanced representation in the House of Commons. The organisation has support from MPs across the political spectrum, and our campaigns have led to greater public awareness of the gender gap in politics.
In March 2025, during an International Women’s Day event at the Speaker’s Apartments, the charity celebrated a milestone: women now make up 40% of the UK Parliament. This came after 101 women from the 50:50 community stood in the 2024 General Election, with 25 winning their seats. While this is a significant achievement, CEO Lyanne Nicholl emphasised that "40% is not 50%," and warned of the risk of backsliding without sustained effort and political will. The charity remains committed to reaching full gender parity.
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Men still outnumber women on most elected bodies. 50:50 Parliament continues to advocate for reforms to address this imbalance. Among the charity’s priorities are retaining current women MPs, improving the working culture in Parliament to make it more inclusive, and ensuring that financial and structural barriers to women’s participation are dismantled.
Support the mission
Operating with a small team, 50:50 Parliament invites everyone to support its mission. Whether that’s by becoming a Friend of 50:50, encouraging a woman you know to stand, or by standing yourself. Everyone has a role to play in building a more representative democracy.
The bottom line: periods are political. Representation matters. And 50:50 Parliament is proving that change doesn’t need to wait - it just needs more women willing to stand up and step in. Whether you run for office, support someone who does, or simply start talking about why this matters, you’re part of the shift.
💪 Wanna help balance the power?
Head to 5050parliament.co.uk to learn more, get involved, or support their work by shopping WUKA through our dedicated link.
Because 40% isn’t 50%. And we’re not done yet.
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