As a woman, I would never stand to be an MP because it's just too physically risky

LAST week I was asked why I was not standing in the general election.

- Nimco Ali

Without hesitation, I said: "Because I don't want to die." When I saw the look on the face of the journalist who had asked me, I knew being so honest about why I was not standing was a shock to him and the three other men in the room. But it shouldn't be. It is not just difficult, but extremely dangerous being a woman in politics today.

Seven years ago I stood for the Women's Equality Party at the general election. The party was left of centre and was calling for equality at the heart of our country. What a non-offensive thing, you would think, but sadly my mere rejection of the two mainstream political parties drew a lot of attention and attacks in the leafy London constituency I was standing in.