Looking Forward: The Future of Women in Welsh Politics
As a relative newbie to the Elect Her team I was so pleased that my first external-facing events gave me the chance at inspiring women in Wales. We have a growing need for diverse representation in Welsh politics, so these workshops were targeted at breaking down barriers and making the political arena more accessible for women from all backgrounds.
Our online workshops were specifically designed to equip women with the knowledge and confidence needed to pursue a career in the Senedd, and to provide practical advice on standing for election, navigating the intricacies of the Welsh Parliament, and understanding the responsibilities that come with being an MS.
It was a brilliant experience.
We brought together aspiring women leaders and current Members of the Senedd for what I felt (and know!) were engaging and informative sessions.
We had a broad selection of political views on board and they gave us valuable insights, bringing their unique perspectives to the table;
Natasha Asghar MS – is a vocal advocate for social justice, was the first woman of colour elected to the Senedd, which was a significant milestone in increasing diversity in Welsh politics! Natasha shared her journey into politics, offering advice on overcoming challenges and the importance of representing local communities. Her passion for advocating was evident, and she provided crucial tips on navigating the political landscape as a woman.
Sioned Williams MS – is a seasoned MS with a deep commitment to environmental and social issues, Sioned spoke about the need for more women to become involved in politics. She discussed her personal experiences, the importance of resilience, and the unique contributions women can make to Welsh politics.
Jane Dodds MS – brought a wealth of experience in party leadership and campaigning to our discussion. She shared practical advice on how to run an effective campaign, as well as the challenges women face when entering politics, and how to overcome them with confidence.
Hannah Blythyn MS – who has been active in the labour movement and democratic politics in Wales for a number of years, with broad ranging policy interests from employment to social care. Hannah spoke about her own experience as a female MS and the strategies she employed to balance personal and professional responsibilities in politics.
What we loved was that, whether it was about understanding the election process to tips on public speaking and media engagement, our workshops were full of truly actionable advice!
We are so grateful to all those who attended for their support and expertise, and for sharing their experiences which helped to create an open, supportive environment where participants felt encouraged to engage, ask questions, and learn. It also helped people connect and build a network, something that we at Elect Her know matters when you are standing for any type of elected office.
Next year we will be putting on more workshops like these, continuing our outreach and the momentum for women’s participation in Welsh politics.
Our hope, and mine leading our work in Wales, is that even more women will be inspired to take the plunge and become active contributors to the political life of Wales.
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