3. Statement by the First Minister: Delivering the International Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:02 pm on 11 November 2020.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 4:02, 11 November 2020

Well, Llywydd, I thank Jenny Rathbone for pointing to some very important parts of the Wales for Africa programme. It was a privilege to meet with Jenipher and her team when they were in the Senedd, and it is great to see coffee from the co-operative that she leads on sale now here in Cardiff. But gender equality and women's empowerment has always been an integral theme of the Wales for Africa programme. It's certainly one that Eluned Morgan took a particular interest in promoting. Hub Cymru Africa has recently received a pilot grant from the Welsh Government to continue to work with women and girls in Uganda and Lesotho. It focuses on those everyday things that make a difference in the lives of young women in that part of the world in just the way that Jenny mentioned, and the programme is always on the look out for new ways in which we can make sure that the interest that we have here in Wales is focused on gender and equality programmes in those countries. I'm sure the suggestion that Jenny has made this afternoon will be of interest to others who are involved in the programme, and I'll make sure that it's drawn to their attention.