The 2021 Senedd election is an opportunity to determine what kind of country we want Wales to be. With Welsh elections on the horizon, it’s imperative that we consider what we can do differently to secure a gender equal Wales and our manifesto does just that!
In our Manifesto we set out our vision for how the next Welsh Government can deliver a gender equal Wales where all women, of all backgrounds, can fulfil their potential and achieve equal outcomes.
Let’s use it to shape discussions and change the future of Wales.
Women are paid less on average – Wales still has a gender pay gap of 12% – and women are four times as likely as men, to be out of work as they are looking after the family and home.
We have fewer women in decision-making positions, both in politics and in the workplace, and women remain at significantly greater risk of living in poverty and experiencing violence, abuse and harassment than men.
Two-thirds of girls in the UK have experienced unwanted sexual attention in public places, and one in eight had their first such experience when they werejust 12 years old or younger.
Inequality is not inevitable, it is a result of unfair and archaic systems and structures that do not take into account difference or disadvantage on the basis of gender or other protected characteristics.
Throughout the pandemic, we have seen the true cost of this inequality, with women, particularly women of colour, disabled women, and women on low incomes, bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Now is the time for radical change. An opportunity to rebuild to a fairer, caring and equal society.
After 20 years of devolution Wales has an established parliament with powers over crucial aspects of women’s lives; health, social care, economic development, education, childcare, skills, equality and more.
If we want to see change in Wales, we need to act together to ensure gender equality issues are shouted about, discussed and debated in run up to the Senedd elections 2021.
With your support we can realise our collective vision of a fair, gender equal Wales.
Writing directly to your candidates as a constituent is a powerful and effective lobbying tool ahead of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election on 6 May 2021.
The run up to the elections might look very different but there may still be an opportunity for you to ask your local candidates the important questions to see where they stand on a gender equal Wales.
We want Wales to be a nation where all women can thrive, regardless of their background. A nation where inequality, discrimination and oppression are eradicated. This bold vision and ambition must translate into action from the next Welsh Government so that Wales can reap the benefits of gender equality.
We need to demand for deeds not words
I support @chwaraeteg’s manifesto for a #GenderEqualWales, which sets out clear recommendations to achieve this. The next Welsh Government must take action to remove the causes of gender inequality: https://chwaraeteg.com/our-manifesto