Mandu Reid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mandu Reid
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Mandu Reid in Manchester on 30 September 2021. Photo by Carol Ann Whitehead.
|
|
| Leader of the Women's Equality Party | |
| In office April 2019 – 17 November 2024 |
|
| Preceded by | Sophie Walker |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1981 (age 43–44) Malawi |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Women's Equality Party |
| Residence | London |
| Alma mater | London School of Economics |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Website | Women's Equality Party |
Mandu Kate Reid, born in Malawi in 1981, is a British politician and activist. She led the Women's Equality Party (WEP) from April 2019 until November 2024.
Early Life and Education
Mandu Reid was born in Malawi. Her family moved to the UK in 1982. They also lived in Somalia and Eswatini (Swaziland) before returning to the UK. Growing up, Mandu noticed unfairness and prejudice around her. When she was at school in England, she was sometimes treated unfairly because she was the only Black student. Mandu later studied at the London School of Economics.
Mandu Reid's Career
After college, Mandu worked for important government departments. These included the Treasury, which manages the country's money. She also worked for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. She helped manage projects for the Greater London Authority.
In 2015, Mandu started a charity called The Cup Effect. This charity helps women and girls who cannot afford period products. It gives them menstrual cups in the UK and East Africa.
Mandu Reid's Political Journey
Mandu first joined the Labour Party in 2010. Later, in 2018, she moved to the Women's Equality Party (WEP). As a WEP member, she ran in a local election in 2018. She supported policies that help parents share childcare equally. She also supported flexible working hours.
In April 2019, Mandu became the interim leader of WEP. She was confirmed as the party leader in January 2020. She was the first Black leader of a political party in the UK.
When the Black Lives Matter movement grew, Mandu wrote to prime minister Boris Johnson. She expressed her support for the movement. Under her leadership, the Women's Equality Party spoke out about unfair treatment based on race in the UK.
Mandu was also a candidate for the 2021 London mayoral election. This is an election to choose the leader of London. She finished tenth in that election.
Mandu has also written articles for newspapers and websites. These include The Independent and The Huffington Post.
