Presiding Officer – National Assembly will continue to lead the fight against gender inequality in Wales
24 April 2013
The National Assembly for Wales’s Presiding Officer, Rosemary Butler AM, has reaffirmed her commitment to leading the fight against gender inequality in Wales.
She made the pledge on the day that equalities-campaign body Chwarae Teg launched a report that reveals women still face inequality, stereotyping and segregation in the Welsh workforce.
The National Assembly for Wales has committed itself to tackling the issue of gender inequality for women, particularly in roles in public life.
“The report from Chwarae Teg makes for sobering reading and supports the work that the National Assembly has undertaken over the past year as part of its ‘Women in Public Life’ programme,” the Presiding Officer said.
“At events held throughout Wales, women have been telling us that there are barriers to them taking up roles as local councillors, Magistrates, school governors and other public offices.
“This demonstrates that although there has been progress, there is still a considerable way to go to achieving a level playing field in terms of opportunities for women.
“My commitment is to keep the issue at the top of the agenda in Wales by organising a series of seminars, with high-profile women speakers, to encourage more women to get involved.
“We will also increase mentoring and advice services for women by launching a new web portal which will act as a one-stop shop for women who want to find out more about the opportunities open to them in public life, how to apply for roles, and how to benefit from the shared experiences of other women.”
High-profile women from the fields of science and sport have already made keynote addresses to audiences of women at the Assembly.
These have included leading scientist Baroness Susan Greenfield and the Chair of Sports Wales, Professor Laura McAllister.
Additional fields such as law and civil liberties, and the media have now been identified as areas where women face barriers and future speakers will include civil liberties campaigner Shami Chakrabarti on 2 July, and broadcaster and journalist Janet Street Porter on 10 October.
Other figures taking part in the sessions will be Welsh Paralympic great Tanni Grey-Thompson and former Radio 1 presenter Bethan Elfyn.
Tickets to hear Shami Chakrabarti speak will be available from mid-May by ringing the Assembly’s booking line on 0845 010 5500 or email assembly.bookings@wales.gov.uk.