1. No vote, no voice
Women's rights charity The Fawcett Society warns that potentially as many as 8 million women won't vote on June 8th. Fewer than half of 18-24 year old women cast a ballot in 2015. Less than a third of young women voted in 2010.
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of women's right to vote. Women died so we could head to the ballot box this week and be heard.
Women make up 52% of the British voting public so potentially could have a bigger say in who forms the next government.
If we're not turning up we are in danger of politicians giving up and paying attention to those who do. Women's rights are on the agenda because we put them there. We are at a critical moment in women's history and now is the time to lean in not rest back.
2. Ladies of the house
On June 8th we could see the highest number of female MPs ever elected. The current gender split in the House of Commons is 192 women to 456 men. There could be 200 women in the House of Commons if the Conservatives win an increased majority. If Labour were to become the largest party in a hung Parliament that number could increase to 212 (Source Press Assoc.)
This would be another step on the road to gender equality, but we would still be behind countries like Uganda and Zimbabwe in terms of women in parliament. Politics needs diversity in government, business and let's face it - life works better if there is equality.
Let's also not forget women are more likely to go into politics if there are other women there to set an example. How many more years will we have to wait for it to become just as commonplace for a female to be PM as a man, if there aren't as many women in politics as men? That's something you should think about.
3. It's YOUR party and you can vote if you want to
There is a party just for you…it's called the Women's Equality Party. The party's aim is to achieve total gender parity, saying if women fulfil their potential then EVERYONE benefits…and there's not a pink battle bus in sight.
WE are pushing for equal representation in politics, business, and industry and throughout people's working life and family life. This party want equal opportunities and equal pay - why should men get 18% more to take home at the end of the month? WE also, very importantly, works to end violence against women and to improve the rights of refugee women. WE want to work with mainstream parties to get all this done and are happy for them to 'steal' their rather forward-thinking policies.
It's fair to say the main parties have taken a gender-neutral tone in this election campaign compared to 2015 but it is well worth looking at each party's policies in the areas highlighted by WE and see what they have to offer you.
4. Brexit is not just for the boys
Research suggests men will prioritise the economy, taxes and now Brexit when they head to the voting booth with women thinking more about health, education and welfare. (Via a YouGov Poll May 2017 / Panel Base Poll May 2017)
Patronising, maybe... but if you're bored of Brexit now is the time to pay attention.
Brexit could affect women's rights at work, maternity leave, equal pay; your flexible and part-time hours, which are protected under EU law, are all open to 'reinterpretation' when written into UK law. Women are more likely to be single working parents, part-time employees or to take time off to look after children or family members, so could be most affected.
5. Think local
Want to affect your own life in a positive way – then think local. A little bit of research on your local area ahead of the vote is crucial. These candidates in the area where you live will have the power to change things on your doorstep. So don't go into this election without having had a little look at who your options are.
Right now, I imagine, you've been receiving a lot of campaign propaganda through your door. READ IT. In any election, knowledge is power. If you've managed to escape the deluge of mail through your letterbox then a simple Google of your area and "MP Candidates" will bring up your options. Life is a choice and this is where you need to go in with information so you believe in that box you tick.
Here's what three main parties' manifestos actually stand for:
Sarah-Jane Mee hosts Sunrise on Sky News and is spearheading this week's election coverage – Mon-Thurs, 6-10am.
Follow Sarah-Jane on Twitter.
