Young Londoners were invited to City Hall today to put their questions forward to the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.

The young people were invited by the Mayor of London from from secondary schools in Lewisham, Southwark and Haringey to a ‘town-hall’ style event where they would discuss gender equality and other issues that affect young people in a workshop arranged by the Fawcett Society, followed by an opportunity to ask the two Prime Ministers questions.

Sam Smethers, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, said: “Young people hold the key to eliminating discrimination in our society.  As we mark 100 years of first votes for women in the UK is it vital that we focus on the future.  Both the Prime Ministers of Canada and New Zealand offer real leadership on what a commitment to gender equality at the top of a Government can look like and the recognition that we all gain from a more equal society.”

The event which celebrates 100 years since the first women gained the right to vote in the UK is a part of a wider London Mayoral campaign called #BehindEveryGreatCity and takes place whilst the UK holds the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with it being both Justin Trudeau and Jacinda Ardern’s first official engagement during their trip to the UK.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This year I have redoubled my efforts to fight for gender equality, with the launch of our “Behind Every Great City” campaign. I am thrilled that both Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Ardern have agreed to come to City Hall for a special town-hall event with young Londoners. I look forward to hearing them discuss the huge strides that have been made towards gender equality, as well as what we can all do to remove the barriers to success which many girls and women still face.”

Both Canada and New Zealand have been actively breaking ground in celebrating diversity as a part of their legacy, this year New Zealand celebrate 125 years since women had the vote and both prime Ministers being known for their work to improve gender equality today.