5. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: International Women’s Day

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:48 pm on 8 March 2022.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 4:48, 8 March 2022

Thank you very much, Vikki Howells. I know that Elaine Morgan was very proud of you as well, and would have been very proud that you are a Senedd Member for Cynon Valley. She was an inspiring, pioneering woman and I was very pleased to meet her on many occasions, and many of you will have seen the book that was published last year about her life—an exceptional talent and ability, yet a woman who remained a resident and citizen of the Cynon valley until the day she died.

So, I think that the Betty Campbell statue is very significant. Those of us who were there for the unveiling of this incredible sculpture, which, actually, we put money into, the Welsh Government, and lots of money was raised across private and public sector individuals—. But it is so significant in terms of the legacy that she left of ensuring that we now have black history in the curriculum, mandated statutorily, ensuring that it's in the curriculum. That's what she wanted and she would've been so proud, as her daughters and granddaughters said on the day. But also, that is a place to visit; a bit like the Aneurin Bevan statue in Queen Street, now the Betty Campbell statue is a place for children, schools and young people to visit. In fact, the school who sang at the opening, from just along the way here in Butetown, just state that they're so proud of the fact that they were there and helped to unveil. It has to be part of the curriculum, not just in terms of black history being part of the curriculum now, but also the gender aspect of this in terms of all the women who are going to be now—. The statues will continue to come forth in terms of the Monumental Welsh Women campaign. And it will be included in every aspect of the curriculum. But I think, in terms of equality, I think that's where the new curriculum in terms of the opportunities for ethically informed young people will come through.

But also, you're quite right: just to respond to your issues about women in the pandemic, and particularly the key workers. I've mentioned, in my statement, that about 70 per cent of the healthcare workforce at the front line are women; the same in social care as well. But, actually, we must not forget our retail workers, the key workers on the front line. And, to recognise also that the key workers are those who are often also managing more than one job, in lower paid sectors. And we will, through our social partnership approach, working with the trade unions and employers, acknowledge the role and the importance of key workers. They're also very much on the front line in terms of risk as well. And safety, as we move in our transition plan, we have to—. People, Senedd Members will have seen our transition plan, published on Friday. There are very clear sections on equality in that plan in terms of impacts on women and all those with protected characteristics.

But thank you, Vikki Howells, for drawing attention not only to Elaine Morgan—and we will celebrate next week, that sculpture, when it's unveiled—but also the importance of the key workers, the women who are at the front line in terms of the retail sector as well.