About the Campaign for Gender Balance

Why do we need more women candidates?

- Women make up more than 50% of the population, but currently just 14% of Liberal Democrat MPs.

- Women bring different experiences to the job; important issues primarily affecting women, from childcare provision to women's health and safety, have attracted greater political attention as more women have entered Parliament.

- Research shows that women are more likely to vote, and men are no less likely to vote, when women candidates are on the ballot. The Liberal Democrats would benefit strongly from increased electoral turnout.

What does the Campaign for Gender Balance do in practice?

- We have set up, and are always seeking to expand, a network of volunteers to help and support women through all stages of the approval and selection process. From filling in the form to become an Approved Candidate, to planning where and when to go for selection, to designing your campaign literature once you have been short-listed, we will put you in touch with someone who will lend you their experience and support.

If you would like to volunteer, or are a woman seeking help with approval or selection, please see the Contact Us page for details of how to get in touch.

- We also co-ordinate training events, including at Federal and regional conferences, for the many women who feel more confident in a women-only environment.

- We also work closely with party officials, MPs and the press to ensure that the need to enable and encourage women candidates continues to be taken seriously across the whole party.

If you would like to sign up for our monthly email newsletter, including training information, candidate selection updates and tips from senior Party figures, please email "subscribe genderbalance" to sympa@lists.libdems.org.uk

"I found the support and advice that I received from the Campaign for Gender Balance's mentoring scheme invaluable, and I would recommend it to anyone considering a key seat selection. Selection campaigns can be incredibly intense and gruelling. The practical and moral support of my mentor helped me to plan my campaign effectively and keep my enthusiasm levels up through the toughest times. I cannot thank the Campaign for Gender Balance enough for their help and support."

Alison Smith, PPC for 2008/9, Oldham East and Saddleworth.

"I left school at 16, and had run my own business for over 20 years. My thinking is instinctive, not academic, and I had no idea what was required of me as far as the candidate forms were concerned. I contacted the Campaign for Gender Balance and help was forthcoming! …Many women put themselves down, and think of reasons why they are not capable, which is rubbish really. If you juggle home, work and family successfully, you are an extremely capable person - and think how much more sensible government would be if far more women were involved."

April Pond, PPC for 2008/9, Broadlands.