THE States Chamber was filled with “fantastic” women yesterday to mark International Women’s Day at the inaugural event of the newly established Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.
In attendance were current and past female politicians from the Island and beyond, alongside women considering standing in the upcoming election.
Interim chair of the Caucus Deputy Lucy Stephenson said “everyone can feel the energy in the room and it’s a positive one”.
She highlighted that the number of women in attendance was roughly similar to the number of female politicians there has ever been in the Assembly which, she said, puts things into “perspective”.
The newly established group was set up following recommendations made by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in a 2024 gender-sensitive parliament assessment.
It is designed to serve as a platform to “support, empower and advocate” for the interests and advancement of female politicians and provide a supportive space to share challenges they face.
This included Welsh Labour politician Joyce Watson, chair of the Senedd Women’s Caucus – who is passionate about the need for giving women opportunities for their voices to be heard at the tables of power.
She described how women need to support one another “metaphorically wrapping their arms around one another”, through discussing issues in safe spaces, and debating solutions to them together.
The best-selling author, presenter and flexible working campaigner Anna Whitehouse who has nearly half a million followers on her Instagram page with the handle @mother_pukka, spoke alongside her.
In her speech, she explained how she has been campaigning for flexible working for mothers, as well as fathers – highlighting how past pilot schemes and research have shown it not only helps families but also other benefits like increasing productivity.
But the pair both had one main message to everyone in the room and watching online – if there is something you want to see changed – put yourself forward as a candidate in the upcoming election.
However, they added that you don’t have to take on everything alone, and that that’s why the caucus is so important – so that newly elected female politicians from any party can help support one another.
