Labour Women’s Network shouldn’t have to exist, but we do. We fight and campaign for women’s equality within the Labour Party, and to secure the election of more Labour women to public office at every level. 

Founded in 1988 by four Labour women: Barbara Follett, Barbara Roche, Hilary De Lyon and the late Jean Black. They wanted to change the Labour Party and get more women into Parliament as Labour MPs.  At the time, fewer than 10% of Labour MPs were women. 

LWN played a key role in the campaign for positive action to get more women selected in winnable seats back in the eighties and nineties; and fighting the charge again when AWS could not be used in the 2000’s.   

You can read more about the history of Labour Women’s Network here. 

Constantly evolving to meet the needs now and in the future, we are the women in the room, still fighting and campaigning for women’s equality with our Party and breaking down the barriers for success at every level of our Party. 

With over three decades of gold-standard training under our belts, we are proud that are training courses are held in such high regard.  Currently, half of the current women in the shadow Cabinet our graduates of LWN training – but we have trained thousands more, that spread in all walks of life.  This has all happened through our own carefully crafted courses, the Jo Cox Women in Leadership Scheme or via commissioned training from Regional Party or affiliates. 

We are fearlessly non-factional - sisterhood, no matter your shade of red. And not to boast, we host amazing events either in-person or via Zoom. 

With a democratically elected Executive Committee, we hold elections each year where LWN members can self-nominate.  As the only women’s organisation affiliated to the Labour Party, we take our responsibility to support, stimulate, amplify, and fight for the rights of women in our movement very seriously – and are not afraid to be the critical friend the Labour Party needs at times. 

As a membership organisation, subs, donations and fundraising monies are ploughed back in to continue the good fight. 

So why join us, well you won’t get a cuddly toy or access to beautiful gardens, but by joining LWN, you will be part of a movement, a sisterhood, the women in the room and get a warm glow from knowing you are breaking down barriers for Labour women now and in the future. 

Join us now

You can read our trans inclusion policy here.