Responding to the International Women’s Day debate in the National Assembly for Wales, Head of Oxfam Cymru Kirsty Davies-Warner said:
“We are pleased that International Women’s Day was debated in the National Assembly for Wales yesterday. Assembly Members from parties across the political spectrum rightly highlighted the gender pay gap, recognizing it as ‘a stain on Welsh life’. Many more women than men are employed in part-time, low-paid employment. One of the first steps we must take in Wales is to ensure women are paid at least the Living Wage.
Whilst ensuring that work is fairly paid, it is critical that women can access decent work. Oxfam’s research with low-paid workers in Scotland showed that people’s priorities for decent work are basic: a decent hourly rate, job security, paid leave, a safe working environment, and a supportive manager. The study heard from people with experience in low-wage – and female dominated – sectors, such as social care and hospitality. Our research showed these very basic priorities were not being met. This International Women’s Day let’s agree that we must ensure that work is
decent – and that we focus on the quality of employment on offer, not just the number of people in jobs. It’s time for us to work together to deliver decent work for women across Wales – employers, trade unions, industry bodies, government and the third sector.
23% of people in Wales are living in poverty. We must work to improve equality between women and men, because the simple fact is, if you are a woman, you are more likely to live in poverty. Tackling gender inequality will help end poverty for everyone”.
//ENDS