International Women’s Day is the day to celebrate the role of women in their families, at work and around the world.

And it’s a time to focus on our determination – as Labour – to tackle the discrimination and oppression of women here in the UK, and across the world, and step up our progress towards fairness and equality. Our forthcoming Equality Bill will help ensure fairer treatment of women at work.

Jean Bartlett joined the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah and I and hundreds of women for a special reception at Downing Street yesterday to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Jean has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the residents on the Aylesbury Estate where she lives. She is a community-minded woman who has shown dedication and commitment to her local area over many years and has my full respect.