Countdown to 100 Years of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928
The London Stock Exchange was pleased to welcome Centenary Action to mark the 97th anniversary of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928, as it counts down to its centenary.
Inspired by the suffragettes, Centenary Action was established in 2018 by Helen Pankhurst CBE - granddaughter of Sylvia and great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst - to mark the centenary of some women gaining the right to vote with cross-party campaigning to drive progress toward a gender-equal Parliament by 2028.
The Business Link part of Centenary Action connects women in business with women in politics to network across the business/politics divide and to advocate for equity in Parliament by 2028.
The Market Close ceremony on 2nd July 2025 brought together campaigners, politicians, and business leaders to celebrate the 97th anniversary of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 and to highlight the role of business in empowering employees to contribute to this historic milestone.
“In times of economic, geopolitical, and social upheaval, it has never been more important for women to be at the table, to stand up, and to be heard. Today, we commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 - a milestone my ancestors and many others fought hard to achieve. But we still haven’t reached equal representation. As we count down to the centenary and the next election, we want to galvanise the next generation of female leaders - in both Parliament and business - to work together and drive positive change.”
Helen Pankhurst CBE
Convenor of Centenary Action
Find out more about Centenary Action and Mission 2028
