Inspiring our future leaders – increasing women’s representation in politics

22nd March 2022
Young women from across Wales will visit the Senedd today (22.3.22) having been given the chance to shadow Members of the Senedd and discover the inner workings of Welsh political life.

Chwarae Teg, Wales’ leading gender equality charity, runs the LeadHerShip project for women aged 16-22 in order to inspire a future generation of women leaders.

During the day 25 young women will each be paired with an MS to gain first-hand experience of what their day-to-day working life entails and learn how the Senedd works. As part of the day Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice will introduce a Q&A session with women MSs – which the young women will participate in and they will then also have the opportunity to watch First Minister’s Questions and take part in a mock debate about International Women’s Day.

Women are still notably absent from many decision-making roles in Wales. Although elections to the Senedd in May 2021 saw the first woman of colour elected to Wales’ parliament – something long overdue – women’s representation at all levels of government remains stubbornly fragile and unequal. Women remain under-represented in decision-making in politics and in the workplace, making up 43% of MSs, 35% of Welsh MPs and just 29% of local councillors as well as only 39% of managers, directors and senior officials.

LeadHerShip Senedd 2022 is supported by Transport for Wales, who have partnered with Chwarae Teg for the event by providing train travel for participants, and Sarah Murphy MS, Member of the Senedd for Bridgend, who is sponsoring the event.

We started LeadHerShip four years ago and it has been very successful and well received by the young women and MSs alike.

“Improving young women’s engagement with politics is key to increasing future representation. Although it’s fairly well balanced at the Senedd, there is still a clear under-representation of diverse women and without concerted action by political parties we have seen the proportion of women elected drop in the past. We cannot afford to be complacent and must ensure future generations are empowered to seek leadership roles across public life.
Natasha Davies
Policy and Research Lead, Chwarae Teg

I’m delighted to be able to meet and speak to participants in this year’s LeadHerShip Senedd. I hope the day provides a real understanding of how decisions that affect people’s lives are made at the Senedd and that it also inspires them to take on political roles and see themselves as future leaders who can make a difference.
Jane Hutt MS
Minister for Social Justice

We are delighted to be sponsoring LeadHerShip again this year. As an organisation we recognise the importance and benefits of gender equality in and outside of the workplace. LeadHerShip enables us to demonstrate this by supporting a project that I’m sure will have a positive impact and result in real changes in the future.
Rachael Holbrook
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I;) Partner, Transport for Wales