6. Statement by the Leader of the House: The Centenary of Women's Suffrage

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:48 pm on 6 February 2018.

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Photo of Julie James Julie James Labour 5:48, 6 February 2018

I'm extremely happy to agree with both of those sentiments—absolutely. One of the biggest compliments I was ever paid during my long career in the law was that I was a bloody mouthy woman—[Laughter.]—which I think I was going to have put as an epitaph on my grave, actually. So, I completely agree with that. As everybody in this Chamber will know—I've said it many times—I'm extremely proud that I, myself, was elected off an all-women shortlist. I was the first woman in my family to go to university and I'm extremely proud to be the first woman in my family who has achieved elected office, but I'm absolutely determined that the ladder I climbed will be available for all the young women in Wales to climb in my stead.

I will be taking part in the scheme from Chwarae Teg. There's also a mentoring scheme from the Women's Equality Network Wales that I want to mention, which I would encourage everybody to also take part in. It's really important to get the diverse range of Assembly Members to take part in those schemes so that everybody can have an opportunity to take part, and in this way, we can make sure that our voices continue to be heard. And in the words of Welsh Women's Aid, assuredly, still we rise.