4. Statement by the Leader of the House and Chief Whip: International Women's Day

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:52 pm on 6 March 2018.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 3:52, 6 March 2018

Thank you to the Government for bringing forward this statement today. With permission, I'd just like to put on the record that, four months ago today, we lost a true advocate for women's rights and someone who stood up for women's suffering, domestic abuse and sexual violence. I don't think there's any one of my dad's suits that doesn't have a white ribbon pin badge on, and I'm very proud to be standing here today in the Chamber wearing mine. 

I have three questions for the leader of the house. Firstly, we know my dad supported the White Ribbon campaign, and that my colleague Joyce Watson has played a vital part in that, with her annual event. Will the Government join me in my campaign to ensure that all public service providers in Wales, like the police, like the fire service, follow south Wales police and fire service and Gwent's lead in having white ribbons on their vehicles all year around?

Secondly, I also want to pay tribute to RCT council and all the campaigners that made the announcement that free sanitary products could soon be available to all schoolgirls possible. I know that my colleague Jenny Rathbone just here has been a vital advocate in that as well and she was working closely with my dad on this issue. So, I also wanted to know if the Government will commit to ensuring this is replicated across Wales and help make that happen.

Just finally, I'd like to finish with: can I just urge the leader of the house and all Members and staff who work in the Assembly to read Rachel Williams's new book, The Devil at Home? Rachel's story as a survivor of domestic abuse is devastating but truly, truly inspiring. Her story of hope tells all of us how you can always find light, even in the very, very darkest of times. She's a true inspiration and I urge you all to read that book at your leisure. Thank you, leader of the house.