Written statement (Wales) on International Women’s Day - Mar 6

Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: International Women's Day is a moment for us to remember and recognise that when women and girls thrive, our nation thrives. This year's theme, Give to Gain, reminds us that investing our time, resources and influence in women and girls strengthens our communities, our public services and our economy. 

The UN theme, Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, challenges us to dismantle barriers that still limit too many lives, and to act with determination to advance equality in all of Wales.

Across the country, girls and young women are already leading change. The Curriculum for Wales places equity, diversity and inclusion at its core, helping learners to challenge stereotypes and broaden ambition. As Wales' STEM and digital sectors continue to expand, it is vital that girls are supported to engage confidently with these fields and develop the skills needed for future careers.

Joint Council for Qualifications data show that girls continue to outperform boys in several STEM subjects, including GCSE Digital Technology, and in A level Physics, reflecting the determination and the commitment of learners and schools across Wales.

We continue to champion programmes that inspire girls to pursue digital and technical pathways. The National Cyber Security Centre's CyberFirst Girls competition recognises the exceptional talents of young women. Corpus Christi Catholic High School won the Wales regional final in 2025/26, demonstrating impressive cyber skills through code-breaking and problem‑solving skills. I congratulate them, and all participating schools, for their achievements.

 Through Big Ideas Wales, role models whose stories demonstrate that ambition is achievable, such as global expedition leader Jayne Brown, sustainable textiles innovator Claire Cawte, digital creator Sioned Young, award‑winning entrepreneur Shoned Owen and world‑record endurance athlete Kate Strong, show girls and young women what is possible when they dream big.

Supporting children and young people to recognise inequality, challenge harmful behaviour and seek help when they need it is essential. The Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Code equips learners to identify bullying, harassment and abuse and understand how the law protects their rights. The Empowerment, Safety and Respect strand includes learning on discrimination and Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV), helping pupils to recognise harmful behaviours early and what to do about the behaviour.

This year, updated rights, respect, equality anti‑bullying guidance will strengthen support for schools to tackle prejudice‑related bullying and harassment. Practitioner webinars delivered in autumn 2025 shared practical approaches to embedding equality, supporting healthy relationships and promoting positive masculinity, recognising that boys and young men are essential partners in achieving equality.

Careers Wales and Working Wales continue to provide a connected pathway from inspiration in school to training, work and entrepreneurship. Between April and December 2025, Working Wales supported 11,844 women, demonstrating the impact of tailored guidance and advice. These initiatives are key to progressing equality in all areas.

These services are changing lives and turning ideas into livelihoods. Katherine used a coding bootcamp to move into a male‑dominated technical role at the DVLA after redundancy. Helen returned to her career in health and safety through Personal Learning Account funding. After moving from Ukraine, Maryna began work as a translator with Working Wales support. Finally, Jayne, a former lecturer, accessed ReAct+ and Business Wales support to launch a silversmithing enterprise. Inspiring.

Through the Equality Pledge, tailored guidance and a Participation fund that can help with barriers such as caring responsibilities, Business Wales is strengthening women's entrepreneurship and helping employers adopt fair work practices. 

A standout success is Hair Syrup, founded by Lucie Macleod in Fishguard in 2020. Since its beginnings as a homemade hair oil product, the company has grown into a £6.5m global business employing 13 people, supported through the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme. Its ranking of 13th in The Sunday Times 100 list of Britain's fastest‑growing private companies demonstrates the potential of women‑led entrepreneurship in Wales. Again – inspiring and demonstrating real innovation that is the cornerstone of a successful economy and society.

Women's leadership across public life continues to strengthen governance. Around 60% of regulated public appointees to Welsh public bodies are women, ensuring that diverse experience and expertise shapes decision‑making. Work continues to modernise appointment processes to support women from all backgrounds to compete fairly and succeed. There is more to be done.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Senedd election, our Diversity and Inclusion Guidance for Political Parties in Wales encourages actions such as voluntary quotas and removing barriers in candidate selection. With the Senedd expanding from 60 to 96 Members, this guidance supports our ambition for a gender‑balanced parliament that reflects the communities it serves. The Equal Power Equal Voice mentoring programme, which aims to increase diversity of representation in public and political life in Wales, is also helping move us towards this ambition.

We also recognise the challenges women and girls continue to face and provide support when it is needed most. Many carry a disproportionate share of caring responsibilities. Wales has a high proportion of older carers and people providing more than 50 hours of care each week. This year, £13m has been invested in support for carers, including £6m for Short Breaks, the Carers Support Fund and advice and wellbeing services. Baby Bundles are now being delivered in Flying Start areas, providing essential items for new parents. The Discretionary Assistance Fund has increased to £39.5m in 2025/26 and now provides enhanced Emergency Assistance Payments for people fleeing domestic abuse.

Wales remains committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls. In September, the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools and I convened a national VAWDASV summit centred on survivor voices and collective leadership. Through the VAWDASV Blueprint, a programme of workplace‑harassment conferences has supported leaders across Wales to strengthen prevention and embed zero tolerance. The Live Fear Free helpline received more than 28,000 enquiries in the year ending March 2025, a testament to both need and trust in the service.

At the Anti-Slavery Wales 2025 conference, which I opened with North Wales Police and Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, I launched new online modern slavery training. In January, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and I met with Bawso and The Salvation Army to discuss support for victims and survivors. Over 100 women and girls were identified in Wales as potential victims of modern slavery in 2025. It is critical that they receive the support they need.

Progress in women's health and outcomes is being driven forward through Wales's first Women's Health Plan, Women's Health Research Wales and women's health hubs. Our Period Proud Wales Action Plan aims to eradicate period poverty and ensure period dignity by 2027, expanding access to free products across more settings and tackling stigma through education.

Later this month, Cardiff Council will host members of the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as Cardiff becomes Europe's first ‘City for CEDAW'. This offers a unique opportunity to showcase Wales' collective ambition and our progress on gender equality at a national and international level.

This International Women's Day, we are called to act with conviction and generosity. By giving our time, our solidarity, our advocacy and seizing opportunities, we help build a Wales where every woman and girl can thrive. Together, we can dismantle barriers, champion fairness and create a stronger, safer and more equal nation for generations to come.