Opportunity for young women to shadow Neath Port Talbot Council Leader

Young women from across South Wales are being invited to apply for the chance to find out what it’s like working as a local Council Leader, with a unique one-day shadowing opportunity.

Cllr Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, has teamed up with Chwarae Teg to take part in its #LeadHerShip project, which aims to ensure that women become better represented in such decision making roles and public life.

Run by the gender equality charity, #LeadHerShip is open to women aged 18-25 who feel passionate about politics and are interested in finding out how decisions regarding local communities are made. Applications can be made online until the end of September.

The #LeadHerShip day itself will include one-to-one time with Cllr Jones and his staff, to help participants learn more about the day-to-day work of the Council Leader and how local government makes decisions for people in Wales.

Emma Tamplin, Chwarae Teg, said:

 “Women are notably absent from decision-making roles in Wales, particularly at a local level. Currently women make up only 18% of Council Leaders and 28% of local councillors in Wales. Improving young women’s engagement with politics at a local level is key to increasing future representation.

“#LeadHerShip aims is to give young women a real insight into the political opportunities available to them and to inspire a generation of female leaders. We will only be able to truly address all of the issues we face as a society, when we have diverse representatives that reflect our communities.

“Gender should not get in the way of aspirations. It is so important that girls and young women grow up in the knowledge that they will be encouraged to realise their goals, and that as decision-makers they will be respected.”

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader, Cllr Rob Jones, said:

“Earlier this year at Neath Port Talbot Council we demonstrated our commitment to gender equality by becoming the first local authority in Wales to sign up to Chware Teg’s FairPlay Employer scheme to help tackle our gender pay gap.

“I therefore welcome the opportunity for myself and the authority to host successful #LeadHerShip participants. I hope it will play a part in giving more women and girls in Wales the chance to see what it’s like working in politics, show them that they have the potential to be leaders and hopefully give them the confidence to consider a political career. We need to make sure that we’re encouraging our younger generations to aim high and feel they have the potential to make changes.

“Councils are responsible for local education, care services, leisure facilities, taking care of our streets and environment, local housing and developing business in our regions. Decisions made in these areas affect the day-to-day lives of women across Wales, therefore it is crucial they are given a platform where they can get their voices heard and play an important part in shaping the future.”

For further information and to apply go to: https://chwaraeteg.com/projects/leadhership/#leadhership-local-council