December 6, 2024

Leading women’s rights body, Women’s Equality Network Wales, invites the public to join local election hustings on gender equality.

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Women’s Equality Network Wales (WEN Wales) has invited the general public to join them and candidates representing Wales’ major political parties for a hustings on 27th April from 12-1pm focusing on gender equality, ahead of May’s local elections.

The free event will take place online and provide an opportunity to ask a cross-party line-up of candidates about issues that impact upon gender equality including:

  • The cost of living crisis
  • Childcare provision
  • Access to social care
  • Diverse and equal representation
  • Access to adequate housing
  • Tackling violence against women

Catherine Fookes, Director at WEN Wales, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer the opportunity for the public to join our local election hustings, where all the main parties have been invited to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality.

“The latest research from Electoral Reform Society Cymru has shown that only 33.5% of candidates in these elections are women. Now more than ever, we need legally binding gender quotas coupled with strong diversity measures to ensure that Welsh local government is reflective of the population it serves.

“The hustings will offer an opportunity to ask important questions about each party’s commitments to positive action on representation and a number of other key issues, as we strive for a Wales free from gender discrimination.”

Chair: Rhian Davies, WEN Trustee & CEO of Disability Wales

Plaid Cymru: Nia Wyn Jeffreys

Wales Green Party: Helen Westhead

Welsh Conservatives: Invited

Welsh Labour: Jasmin Chowdhury

Welsh Liberal Democrats: Jo Watkins

 Book your free place at the hustings here.

 Join us as a member and add your voice to our coalition – it’s free to become part of this vibrant and diverse network https://wenwales.org.uk/join-us/

 If you value our work for a Wales free from gender discrimination, please consider donating to our tenth anniversary WEN at Ten fundraiser at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/wenatten