Chwarae Teg responds to Committee on Senedd Reform’s report

30th May 2022

Responding to the Committee on Senedd Reform’s report, which backs the increase in the number of Senedd members from 60 to 96 and the introduction of gender quotas in time for the 2026 election, Natasha Davies, Policy and Research Lead, Chwarae Teg, said:

We are pleased to see today’s report and the Committee’s recommendations to establish gender quotas and expand the size of the Senedd.

“We have long called for Wales to have the parliament it deserves. Gender quotas and increasing the number of Senedd members is essential to achieving this goal.

“Although gender quotas may seem radical, international evidence proves that they work. We know that different issues are discussed and better decisions are made when women are in the room.

“Although welcome, we know that quotas alone will not fix the underrepresentation of women, people from ethnic minorities, disabled people and other groups from our political institutions. We need to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard when decisions are made and it is incumbent on Wales’ political parties to take action now to bring more people into the world of politics.

“Today’s report marks another step towards creating a truly representative Welsh democracy. We look forward to seeing further details on how the Committee’s report will be implemented and engaging with the legislative process over the coming months.

Natasha Davies
Policy and Research Lead, Chwarae Teg