Communities Minister calls for more women in positions of power and influence

At last Wednesday’s (24th April) launch of a major report on women in the Welsh workforce, Communities Minister, Huw Lewis, will speak of his commitment to a diverse workforce and the importance of role models.

The Minister will be attending the launch of Chwarae Teg’s (Welsh for “Fair Play”) report ‘A Woman’s Place: A study of Women’s Roles in the Welsh Workforce’.

The report shows that although considerable progress has been made, gender inequality, stereotyping and segregation are still evident in the Welsh workplace.

The Minister said:

“The Welsh Government wants Wales to be a country that has a diverse workforce and where those in positions of power and influence are not predominately men.

“By appointing more women into high profile roles, we can set the right example for young girls as they look ahead to their future careers.

“I am committed to gender equality in the workplace and to enabling women overcome the barriers they may face in accessing work, as well as encouraging and supporting them to progress in the workplace.

“Today’s report will help us to take stock of the position of women in the Welsh workforce and highlight work that still needs to be done.

“It is vital that we challenge stereotypes in subject choice at school and in the workplace and that this should begin at the earliest opportunity.

“We have many fantastic female role models in Wales who have achieved in non-traditional roles in Wales, who we must engage with to help us other women.

“The costs and quality of childcare are a major concern for many parents who are in the workplace or who wish to work. The Welsh Government is committed to taking action to improve things for ordinary people and I am looking at ways to improve access to affordable childcare.”

Findings of this study are based on an extensive review of existing research, a survey of 600 women and 400 employers plus an additional 25 in depth interviews with women.

Chief Executive of Chwarae Teg, Joy Kent, said:

“Over the last 20 years, Chwarae Teg has commissioned several pieces of research to chart women’s progress in the workforce within a changing socio-economic and political environment.

“This new research illustrates that while progress has been made, gender inequality is still alive and well, and stereotyping and segregation is persistently evident in the Welsh workplace.

“Unless we radically rethink how to tackle the many factors that contribute to this situation, we are risk of living in an economy where over half of the available workforce is seriously under-utilised, with all of the resulting damage this causes to the economy.”