THE importance of women's votes was discussed by Worcestershire students and Worcester MP Robin Walker.

Mr Walker spoke to students from three Worcestershire Schools during UK Parliament Week at an event held at St Peter’s Baptist Church, in Worcester.

The students were able to discuss the importance of Vote100, the anniversary of a historical political moment which saw some women allowed the vote during the meeting on Friday.

Mr Walker said: “It is more important than ever that young people understand the value of voting and democracy, the role of parliament and how their votes and political activity can make a difference.

“My message to young people is simple, whatever your political views, your questions are welcome, and you can make a difference.

“Get involved and have your say. Thanks to the struggles of the past including the suffragettes, all the young people of today can be the voters, MPs and leaders of tomorrow.”

Students from the Royal Grammar School, Christopher Whitehead Language College and Bowbrook House School watched a screening of a video about the vote and took part in discussion of their views about equal suffrage.

Host, Reverend Amy Wearing, minister for youth and children at the church, said: “It is great to be involved in initiatives like Parliament Week that both raise awareness and inspire people to step up and speak out, especially those who are marginalised and unseen in society.

Ellie Greenwood, a student from the Royal Grammar School studying A Level Politics said: “We think it is important as women winning the vote was the start of the long fight in the pursuit of equality between the sexes.

“It is amazing that only 100 years ago women were routinely paid about a third of what men received, professional women had to give up their job once they became pregnant and have very few legal rights in a divorce. We have come a long way.”