Tell us about your organisation

The Open University in Wales is Wales’ leading provider of undergraduate part-time higher education. We’re a university with a social purpose and our mission is to open up higher education to all who wish to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

We now have over 14,000 students all across Wales, in every Senedd constituency and every community, and almost three in four of our students are in employment while studying. We have an open admissions policy, so previous qualifications are necessary for most of our courses.

Why are you supporting the awards?

We are proud to be supporting the Womenspire Awards once again this year because we wholeheartedly share Chwarae Teg’s vision of a fairer Wales.

Gender equality is absolutely central to that vision, and as a social movement as well as a university, we’re committed to playing our part. Learning is a key enabler of economic empowerment and improved wellbeing, so we want women all across Wales from all backgrounds and identities to be able to continue to benefit from the kind of high-quality, flexible, supported distance learning we offer.

Women learners across Wales have so much to be proud about. We want to promote and celebrate their achievements, and to celebrate the achievements of women in Wales in all walks of life.

Why does gender equality matter to you?

Gender equality matters to us because it’s critical to building a better, fairer Wales. We believe that everyone has a responsibility to ensure that women are equal and are able to thrive. As a matter of principle, there should be no part of public life in Wales where women are held back, and we are determined to break down the barriers that women face.

Our education system has an important role to play in enabling women to develop their skills, enter the workplace, and build rewarding careers, and we are proud to support Chwarae Teg in pursuit of that goal.

Why do you support the work of Chwarae Teg?

Chwarae Teg is an incredibly important organisation, and we are proud to be one of their partners and supporters.

As a university with a social mission, Chwarae Teg’s vision of a Wales where women achieve and prosper, are visible and influential, and are empowered to achieve their potential, regardless of their background, social status, or geographic location is one that is close to our heart.

We recognise the role we have to play as the nation’s leading provider of undergraduate part-time higher education and are committed to working with Chwarae Teg to achieve our shared mission.