Breaking Barriers: Welsh women lead the way in public life

Women across Wales are stepping into leadership roles and changing the face of public life, thanks to a groundbreaking mentoring programme that's just secured another three years of funding.

The Equal Power Equal Voice programme, funded by the Welsh Government and National Lottery Community Fund, is opening doors for women from all backgrounds to serve on public boards, run for political office, and shape decisions that affect their communities.

On International Women's Day, the success stories emerging from this initiative show how mentoring and support can turn aspirations into reality.

Sara Crowley, an NHS worker and mother to four-year-old twins from the Cynon Valley, discovered the power of her own voice through participating in the programme. She said: "The programme made me appreciate the importance of my voice, how it can be heard in spaces where I previously wouldn't have thought it was valued. The programme helped me realise that my voice is my strongest asset, and I should never be afraid to use it.

“Since completing the programme, I've become a parent governor at my children's school, and I've learned that when decision-making tables become more diverse and truly representative, society as a whole moves forward and improves."

Announcing the £185,000 funding for three years from the Welsh Government on International Women's Day, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Programmes like Equal Power Equal Voice are vital for building a more representative Wales. Through its workshops on political candidacy, board leadership, and campaigning for social change, this programme is creating a strong pipeline of diverse leaders for the 2026 Senedd elections, corporate and public boards, and school governing bodies. When young girls see women in leadership positions, they can envision those possibilities for themselves. This is how we build a future where Welsh public life truly reflects the diversity of our communities."

Participants benefit from one-to-one mentoring with influential figures including Members of the Senedd, MPs, local councillors, and senior leaders from public and voluntary sectors.

Notes to editors

The Equal Power Equal Voice programme is run by Women's Equality Network (WEN) Wales, Stonewall Cymru, Disability Wales, and Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team Wales.

Sara Crowley's quote in full:

“The programme made me appreciate the importance of my voice and how it can be heard in spaces where I previously wouldn't have thought it was valued. Hearing from each speaker who shared their experiences during the training, listening to my mentor share her success stories—and, perhaps more importantly, the unexpected setbacks she has overcome—was truly inspiring. Meeting female politicians in both the Senedd and Welsh politicians in Westminster, and hearing their stories of how they became active in public life, left a significant impression on me. I am grateful for these experiences through the EPEV programme and would encourage anyone with an interest to apply for the next cohort.

“I feel my confidence has grown—not only in using my voice but also in knowing where to use it. The programme helped me realise where to prioritise my voice, which I think is a key takeaway. Since completing the programme, I have been invited to join more decision-making spaces. One of my first steps was becoming a parent governor at my children's school, a role I was successfully elected for. The EPEV programme gave me the confidence to put myself forward and think, ‘Why not me?' rather than feeling these opportunities were for other people.

“I have also put myself forward for other opportunities, including a promotion at work. Although I just fell short of getting it, I handled the setback differently—I didn't take it so personally. Instead, I saw it as another point of growth.

“Through this experience, I've come to realise just how important it is for women—and especially women from minority groups like myself, who live with disabilities, are part of the LGBTQ+ community, or come from other marginalised backgrounds—to be at these decision-making tables. When those tables become more diverse and truly representative, society as a whole moves forward and improves. And, just as importantly, those perspectives are valued.

“My mentor was amazing—I can't speak highly enough of how well we were matched and how valuable our time together was. Over coffees, we explored a wide range of topics, and I found every conversation incredibly useful. She was truly great.

“I'd love to pay that forward, and I'm so grateful to have learned from her about what being a good mentor requires. I really appreciated how she not only supported me through the programme but also helped me recognise opportunities that can appear right in front of you if you're open to them. Because of this, I've had the chance to shadow several female politicians in the Senedd and in their local constituencies—an experience I found incredibly rewarding.

“There are doors around us every day that can open—both in our professional roles and beyond. EPEV has given me the confidence to be curious about which ones I can push open and to be okay with the ones that don't open as fully as I'd hoped. After all, the next door isn't far away.

“I continue to use what I learned from EPEV every day. There are so many small lessons I've gained from this programme that can turn into big wins—ask that question, send that email, start a conversation with someone you wouldn't have approached before, and stay curious.

“I met some really interesting people on the programme—a fantastic group to get to know, stay in touch with periodically, and follow as their journeys unfold.

“My final and most important message is to never be afraid to use your voice—it's your strongest asset. The EPEV programme helped me realise that, and it can do the same for you. Diolch o galon to everyone involved in funding and running such a rewarding programme.”