MEMBERS from five Pembrokeshire WIs visited the Senedd this week.

Mid and West Wales AM Helen Mary Jones gave a speech to the WIs, including Hayscastle, giving background to her work as an Assembly Member.

The focus of the meeting was how more women can get involved in politics at a local and national level, particularly when we mark 100 years since some women got the vote for the first time.

Helen Mary Jones said: “There are persistent barriers to get more women involved in public life including the cost involved in standing for election, the time it takes particularly because caring activities usually falls on women. There is also a confidence issue.

“While the National Assembly has a strong reputation in relation to balanced gender representation, more has to be done to protect Wales’ achievements. I’m pleased therefore to see the panel on Assembly electoral reform recommend parties put forward balanced slates of male and female candidates.

“Women are the minority in our council chambers and in the House of Commons – making up 28 per cent of Welsh county councillors and 28 per cent of Welsh MPs.”

She added: “A number of issues were addressed during the question and answer session from the election of Donald Trump to the need for the protection of services at Withybush Hospital. I made sure the women were aware that the buck stops with the Cabinet Secretary for Health Vaughan Gething when it comes to the health service in Wales.”

Kathryn Wilkins, president of Hayscastle WI said: “We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and were made to feel very welcome. Helen Mary Jones gave us all a very informative and interesting talk on women in politics in Wales, as we mark the 100-year anniversary of the suffragette movement.”