A SOMERSET venue marked International Women’s Day with a special event – including the opportunity for locals to quiz their MP.

Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Somerton & Frome) was at the SEED Hub for an ‘in conversation’ event with founder and women’s empowerment guru, Lynne Franks, as well as around 40 women entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Lynne led the talk on Sarah’s history in local politics, what it means to be a woman in Westminster today, her experience in business and what she sees as the support government could offer to self-employed women.

Questions from the audience included how finance and training could be made more available to women from all backgrounds and how women can have more of a voice in the local decisions that affect their lives.

Lynne pointed out that the retailers in Wincanton High Street were, like many independent businesses, owned and run by women.

“It is the high streets everywhere who are suffering most in the current economy and this often falls on the women owners, who have invested their savings in starting a small local business.”

Sarah agreed women entrepreneurs could add a tremendous amount to the economy if supported more, and that it would be women taking leadership roles in grassroots communities who could really make a difference to many current social issues.

“It’s vitally important that we encourage more women to put themselves forward in politics at all levels, whether that be on parish or town councils, district or county councils and of course, as members of parliament,” Sarah said.

“We need women in every room of power to help make decisions that truly benefit the whole population.

“Women make significant contributions to their communities, and I encourage more women to be part of the decision-making process to ensure our voices are heard and needs addressed.”

She added: “By empowering women, we can help create more inclusive and equitable societies where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.”