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Government encourages more ethnic councillors

19/05/2008

The government has launched a new taskforce to help more black, Asian and minority ethnic women to become councillors.

Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality, backed the proposal which aims to make councils more representative of the community.

The taskforce will be chaired by Baroness Uddin, the first Muslim woman in the House of Lords and a prominent figure in the black and Asian community.

Other members invited to contribute to the taskforce will include councillors from across Britain, from all ethnicities and political parties.

Ms Harman said: "Empowering black, Asian and minority ethnic women in public life is a key priority for government. They are a force for good within their communities, and in building bridges between communities.

"Their contribution must be better recognised and supported and we need our local councils to better reflect the local community."

Only 168 out of 20,000 councillors across the country are black, Asian or minority ethnic women, less than one per cent, despite the fact they make up more than five per cent of the population.

The government hopes that the introduction of the taskforce will help address this issue by providing mentoring, holding outreach events in community centres as well as working with campaign groups such as Operation Black Vote (OBV).

Simon Woolley, executive advisor to the taskforce and director of OBV, said: "There is no shortage of talented black and minority ethnic women who, given half a chance, would make excellent councillors and MPs.

"The challenge, therefore, is to break down barriers whilst encouraging these talented women to come forward. OBV is pleased to be part of this exciting initiative."

The taskforce is expected to last 12 months before reporting its findings.