In this Episode Jacqueline is joined by Abena Oppong- Asare MP for Erith and Thamesmead.
In the conversation, they discuss Abena’s journey into politics, the day-to-day role of an MP and the challenges that she has faced as a black woman in the public arena, and the need for us black women to get involved in politics to get our views and voices heard in order to bring about change.
Abena Oppong-Asare is the Labour Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead. She currently serves as Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and Chair of the Labour Women's Network. Previously, she served as Deputy Leader and Education Spokesperson on Bexley Council and worked for the Greater London Authority. Abena was elected as the Member of Parliament for Erith and Thamesmead in December 2019 and is proud to serve the community in which she has lived in for over 30 years. She made history to become one of Labour’s first two female British-Ghanaian Members of Parliament.
Abena has spent her career working for local people, speaking truth to power on behalf of some of the most vulnerable in her communities. She represented Erith on Bexley Council, speaking up for her area at the town hall and helping to lead the Labour group of Bexley councillors as deputy leader and spokesperson for education. She worked at the Greater London Authority, supporting GLA members to effectively represent the people of London. In the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy, she led community engagement work for the GLA and Mayor Sadiq Khan, making sure that the people of London were heard to stop anything like that from ever happening again. Before she was elected as an MP, she led resident engagement for a local authority, ensuring the voices of residents helped to shape local services.
Guest contact details
Email: abena.oppongasare.mp@parliament.uk
Website: https://www.abenaoppongasare.com
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