Equality and Human Rights Commission
Last month the Equality and Human Rights Commission released findings indicating women are remarkably absent from some of the most important sectors of Welsh society including politics, business, media, health and education.
Since 2007, the organization has worked to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality and protect human rights. Their latest study, Who Runs Wales? The road to equality for women, shows the gaps between men and women in top positions of power and authority in the workplace are widening or stagnant in many areas.
Women in Politics
In the UK's 1992 general election there was only one woman from Wales sitting as member of parliament at Westminster. This number increased up to eight in 2005.
While this is a positive step forward, it is largely a result of the Labour Party’s Special Measures Act. These types of inclusionary measures have yet to be adopted by other parties.
Among the Liberal Democrats there is one female MP from Wales at the Assembly. There are none from the Conservative or Plaid Cymru parties. This raises concern among female politicians, because this upcoming year new representatives from Welsh constituencies will be chosen for the next general election, to be held in 2011.
Women in Business and the Media
While women dominate in Wales’ public workforce, in the private sector they are notably subordinate. The Commission polled the top 100 companies in Wales, and out of this selection 93 replied, stating no women held positions as chief executives.
In the media sector, females are relatively equal (44%) at the senior management level of broadcasting and dominant (66%) as chairs and controllers of major broadcasters. However, in the newspaper industry only one Welsh language weekly has a women editor.
Women in Health and Education
The National Health Service (NHS) is comprised of 79% women, but they occupy only 3 of the 16 chief executive levels. Wales has seen some improvement at the local level over the last couple years with women in the top positions at 21% rather than the previous 9%.
In secondary schools, the number of head teachers since 2006 has dropped from 19% to 16%.
Why is Gender Balance Necessary?
Gender balance is not simply about ensuring equal numbers of men and women are represented. It is also a matter of giving the same choices and opportunities for access to all positions of power and authority.
Democracy depends on variety. The more voices heard helps ensure a broader scope of topics can be discussed. This is central to more effective decision-making. It is vital to encourage and facilitate women's involvement.
EHRC Recommendations
The Commission has recommended three main ways improvements can be made in Wales:
- Employers must advertise postings openly rather than relying on (exclusive) networks.
- Rethinking the culturally-accepted 'longer hours are better' work ethic. This type of mentality can restrict professional mobility for working women who are also mothers.
- Providing more child-care options in Wales can allow women to work without neglecting family responsibilities. EHRC estimates 70% of women leave work due to family commitments.
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