I've always though it is our responsibility to be engaged, aware, and proactive. When I was younger I took the tube everyday to school and read the free newspapers and, although I didn't believe everything I read, I began to formulate my own opinions. I grew up in the age of the internet so having access to immediate online news and social media platforms meant that being politically aware was informal and fashionable.

I am lucky that my job has enabled me have a dialogue with my generation and share stories and campaigns that I really care about. As an Oxfam ambassador I can speak up for people who do not have the freedom to themselves and share their stories.

My parents have always voted and they take great care and responsibility with that privilege. They never miss a vote and encourage me not to. I remember as a child going with my parents to our local town hall while they voted - it was an occasion I found really exciting!

I remember my first voting experience very well. I voted at the same town hall that my parents had voted at throughout my childhood. I was in London when I came of age, unlike a lot of my friends who were on their gap years travelling. I loved that it’s still a paper system; holding the physical ballot paper made it all the more real. I remember stepping into the wooden ballot cubicle, ticking my boxes and then automatically looking around for approval but there was no one there. I couldn't ask questions - I had to believe in my own decision and take ownership of it.

A couple of years ago I went to Senegal with Oxfam and witnessed a food crisis that was affecting millions of people first-hand. It troubles me that in a world of plenty so many people are living in poverty and unable to feed themselves or their families. World leaders have to deal with world problems. The choices we and our politicians make can - and do - have an impact on the rest of the world, so we should use these choices wisely for the benefit of the many.

When you vote you are not only voting for yourself, but for the society you want to be part of. You are expressing your values and your sense of common humanity. It is especially important for women to vote, given so many women in the world struggle to have their voices heard. I am lucky that I have the access and freedom to vote. I don't question the process, I just question the people I am voting for.

#womenmustvote