I'm a proud feminist, says Sadiq Khan

London mayor Sadiq Khan made a historic walk across the Wagah into Lahore yesterday.

This is the first time a mayor of London has visited Lahore. Mr Khan is on a six-day mission to India and Pakistan to strengthen cultural and economic ties with the British capital.

In one of his first interactions with the media and people of Lahore, Sadiq Khan took part in a talk at Alhamra that was moderated by journalist Munizae Jehangir.

At the talk, he touched on a number of topics: his Pakistani roots, encountering racism and the possibility of a Muslim Prime Minister in Britain.

About culture, he was asked: "Beyond laws and institutions, how can we use culture and social values to spread tolerance?"

The mayor had his answer down, as he started off immediately: “Culture can change values and attitudes. Good culture reflects society, great culture shapes society and when you think about things that can inspire you – a movie, song, piece of theatre or statue – they can inspire you and change your behaviour. That’s why it matters."

He continued, "We have a parliament where there are statues of great people who are all men. [As] somebody who’s a proud feminist, I find it objectionable there’s no statue of a great woman. After I’ve become the mayor, the parliament will have its first statue of a woman.

"Why does it matter? My two daughters need to know there are great women whose shoulders I stand on, my city has and has had great women, but my daughters are great girls and will be great women. And that’s why it’s really important. And I’m surrounded by strong women: my wife, sister, mother, daughters.”