A charity in Wales, Chwarae Teg, has said that women in the Wales will have to wait for decades to achieve gender equality unless the country takes a more serious approach to the issue.
The charity published its annual State of the Nation report, which looks at the progress Wales is making towards becoming a gender-equal nation, and a five-year review that tracks trends since the first report was published in 2019.
The report found that gender gaps still persist across the economy, with women on average still earning less, more likely to be economically inactive, and more likely to work part-time. The report also found that the gender pay gap had reduced slightly in Wales to 11.3%, but that the gap varied significantly across the country. Women are also still more likely to take time off work to care for family or home, though the gap has reduced.
In terms of women’s representation in public life and the workplace, the report found that the proportion of women elected in council elections had increased to 36%, and there were now 43% women MPs. However, the report noted that these proportions still remain far below 50%. The country has also not made much progress in increasing the proportion of women in male-dominated industries, and women are still underrepresented in senior roles, making up only 39% of managers, directors, and senior officials.
The Cardiff Council in their Our Equal Opportunities Policy Statement said their organizational goal is to promote equal opportunities and diversity in employment and services. But senior lecturers and readers at Cardiff University who participated in strikes said policies in place do not meet proper needs for women and better support should be provided.
The public affairs partner for Chwarae Teg Tomas Evans said that inequality has been ingrained in the history and effort is required to make any change to the current situation. Adding to that he said women in Wales also face a higher risk of poverty, social exclusion, and financial hardship, and are more likely to experience abuse, harassment, and violence. To make the change that can improve the situation Tomas Evans said trust needs to be rebuilt in the police departments, organisations and the government.
When asked about the future of women in Wales Chaware Teg said , ” Building a gender-equal place is a mission that everyone who call Wales home should take on”.