London Mayoral candidate and MP for Tooting Sadiq Khan was joined by women from all ages and backgrounds to celebrate International Women's Day yesterday.

The group heard from a panel of inspirational women about their work in the community, including Monica Kitchlew-Wilson, head teacher of Furzedown Primary, who spoke about her family history and experiences as a social worker before pursuing her teaching profession.

Mr Khan spoke about the 'testosterone-driven men's playground' culture at Westminster, and the importance of women in politics.

Other speakers included Rachael Stokes, who got into politics through community work and is campaigning to get a maternity policy for councillors as she struggles to balance her commitments, and Kemi Akinola who set up community charity 'Be Enriched'.

Mr Khan said: "It was my pleasure as the MP for Tooting to bring together local women of all ages and backgrounds to inspire and be inspired by one another.

"I was inspired. This year, the theme to pledge for parity was discussed in terms of women in politics and the workplace, childcare and community engagement.

"It was stressed that IWD is not just about women, but about both genders supporting each other to ensure equality and success."