Tom Watson, MP, visits Penguin’s ‘Like A Woman’ bookshop in Hackney

Tom Watson, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and MP for West Bromwich East, visited Penguin’s ‘Like A Woman’ bookshop in Rivington Street on Thursday 8 March in celebration of International Women’s Day. 

Alongside Mr Watson’s visit, Penguin Random House UK is donating a selection of books worth up to £250 to Ryders Green Primary School in West Bromwich to inspire young readers in his constituency. Donated books include Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo.

Like A Woman, open from 5 to 9 March, aims to showcase some of the most powerful, diverse and creative writers from around the world with a selection of inspiring and iconic titles by female writers. The space celebrates incredible female figures who have made a difference or fought for change #LikeAWoman: contributing to progress in politics, activism, writing, art, science, sports, culture and more.

Shoppers also have the chance to purchase books to be donated to Solace Women’s Aid, a charity providing practical and emotional support to over 11,000 survivors of domestic violence in London each year.

Speaking about his visit, Tom Watson said: “This bookshop is a brilliant showcase of contributions women have made by both word and deed. Too often those contributions are not celebrated as they should be, and I’m very glad they are today.

“Books have the power to change minds and this bookshop has the power to change whole world views. Although the shop is only open for a short time, the books the shop is donating to a school in my constituency will have a lasting impact on the girls and boys that benefit from them.”

Lucy Blackmore, Head Teacher of Ryders Green Primary School, West Bromwich, said: “These books will be a fantastic addition to our school library and the story of how they were donated will help our pupils understand the importance of gender equality in this country and across the world.”

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