- Cymraeg
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Kirsty calls for more women in public life
January 23, 2009 12:00 AM
Michele is shadowing Kirsty in the constituency and in the Assembly
Kirsty Williams AM, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has called for more support to encourage women to get involved in public life.
Kirsty is being shadowed by Helen Michele Jones under the 'Women Into Public Life' initiative, the second stage of the Women Making a Difference project. The project encourages Women from all backgrounds to become more actively involved in their local communities and in the decision making process both locally and nationally.
The project involves women participating in a programme of training starting with 'Engendering Change' and progressing onto 'Women into Public Life'; which seeks to encourage more women to become actively engaged in the public decision making processes and to pursue careers into public life.
Kirsty commented:" Women are underrepresented in Wales and even more so black and minority ethnic and disabled women, so this project is doing essential work.
"There are not enough women in public life at Local, Assembly, Westminster and International levels. Women need far greater representation and more female role models to show them that they too can succeed in politics.
"This scheme is a great start but far more needs to be done to get more women from all backgrounds to feel that they can be involved both locally and nationally. We not only need the Government to push harder we also need for society and the media to change their attitudes towards women's capabilities and roles.
"Michele has done incredibly well to be chosen as one of only 8 women from across Wales to take part in this brand new WAG initiative. It is a pleasure to be shadowed by such a talented and enthusiastic individual. I am sure that Michele will have a very bright future in politics."
Michele, Town Councillor for Flint Castle Ward said:
"My involvement in a local lobby group against a proposed housing development provided me with an insight into the lack of regard decision makers had for the needs of local residents. I had never before realised how much control those in power had over every aspect of our lives, and this encouraged me to stand in the local elections in an attempt to make changes for the better. Women face different barriers and struggles to men, and how better to raise these issues than by having strong female role models like Kirsty to lead the way and debate the issues that affect us. It has been a huge privilege to role shadow Kirsty and thanks to the help, support and training I have received from the Women Making a Difference project, I too hope one day to inspire other women to have faith in their ability and become more actively involved in politics.
Notes:
More information on the scheme can be found at:
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