Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:45 pm on 2 May 2018.
I’m sure that we would all agree with the principle that you’ve just put forward. It’s a matter, perhaps, of offering the choice at present, and educating more young women about the advantages of the more environmentally friendly methods that you’re talking about. But I think, at present, it is important that the choice is there, and that’s why I do welcome the £1 million that has been announced by this Government. But I do agree with you: yes, we need to open this discussion out, and to discuss more than what we’re talking about here. There is a need to open it out even further still, isn't there? We need to see it in the context of tackling poverty, but also in the context of equality, or the lack of equality facing women in Wales today. It’s symptomatic of that—that we haven't been discussing the issue until now in this place.
I’m pleased, if truth be told, that it’s women who have been discussing the issue here today. Perhaps that tells us something. It does tell you one thing: when there are enough women in positions of power and where decisions are made, then issues that are important for women—women outside of this place, women in general—are discussed. And that’s why I’m in favour of ensuring that we have parity of female representation here, but also in county councils and across the public sector, so that important issues like this are given due consideration.
Just to draw your attention—. We launched this morning the manifesto for equality for women and girls in Wales. It’s a manifesto that’s been put together, on a joint basis, by four important groups in Wales that are working towards equality. I was very pleased to be able to sponsor that event today. So, we do need to remember to place what we’ve been discussing today in that wider context, and I very much hope that we will be moving on with this agenda in general, as an Assembly, and that you as a Government will be leading the way. Thank you to everyone who has taken part.