Cyfarfod y Fforwm Cydraddoldeb Rhywedd: 18 Medi 2025

• Senior Gender Policy Manager, Welsh Government (Chair)
• Bawso
• Cardiff University
• Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Wales
• National Federation of Women’s Institute (NFWI) Wales
• National Adviser, Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
• Oxfam Cymru
• Trades Union Congress (TUC) Wales
• Welsh Women’s Aid
• Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales

Welsh Government officials

• Equality and Human Rights
• Equality, Race and Disability Evidence Units
• Sports Policy
• Unpaid Care
• Women’s Health 

An update on the actions from the previous meeting was provided. 

The Equality and Inclusion Grant scheme went live on 17 September 2025. The deadline for applications is 16 November 2025. Full details can be accessed on Welsh Government website.

The EPEV mentoring programme aims to increase diversity of representation in public and political life in Wales. It is led by WEN Wales in partnership with Disability Wales, Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support Team (EYST) Wales and Stonewall Cymru. The programme is funded by National Lottery and Welsh Government.

An overview of the under-representation of women and other groups in public and political life was provided. The benefits of increasing diversity of representation were highlighted, reflecting community, better decision-making and policies, builds trust and provides visible role models. 

EPEV includes mentoring, training and development, and networking and experiences to help mentees work towards a role in public and political life in Wales. Mentees are supported by mentors which include Members of the Senedd, Members of Parliament, councillors, board members and senior public figures.

There are 77 mentees in the current cohort. Applications for the next cohort will open in January 2026. Further details on website.

Welsh Government sent a questionnaire to Forum members in May to help identify the key priority areas for the Advancing Gender Equality Plan. An update on the stakeholder survey was provided to the group, including how the questions were devised, the main findings and survey limitations due to the small sample size.

The survey results have contributed to a wider evidence base which is providing a valuable insight into the current priority areas. Work is underway with policy officials to feed this evidence into the updated Advancing Gender Equality Implementation Plan. 

The Gender Policy team has undertaken significant work to ensure that the original Gender Equality Review findings and recommendations are reflected in the updated plan which retains all the original themes. 

Next steps

Welsh Government to arrange a session with Forum members to provide further information on the work that has been completed, is underway and where there is work still to do. 

Welsh Government provides funding of £33 million to Sports Wales to deliver its priorities relating to sport, including equal participation. The board of Sports Wales is chaired by Tanni Grey-Thompson and comprises 8 women and 4 men.  

It has been a big year for women’s sport in Wales with the Euros, Women’s Rugby World Cup, the AIG Open Golf in Porthcawl and upcoming W100 tennis event which is being held in Wrexham in October.

A £1million Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund was launched to celebrate the Wales women’s team competing in the Euros. The purpose of the Fund was to support a small number of exceptional projects that promote Wales, project our values, particularly around equality and inclusion, and promote women’s sport, encouraging increased participation and creating a positive and lasting legacy. 16 organisations were successful.

Many sporting facilities are not designed for women and girls. Sport Wales is working to address this in its capital funding.

Welsh Government made £1 million available to support 40 golf clubs in developing their facilities to support participation by women, girls, families and the wider community including appropriate changing and toilet facilities. Sport Wales have carried out work in relation to how periods impact participation in sport. A webpage dedicated to women in sport includes information and resources on a range of topics which may impact the athlete’s performance, including periods and menopause (Female Athlete Health and Performance Sport Wales).

Next steps

• Welsh Government (Sports Policy) to raise issue of community access to sports facilities with Sports Wales (opening times, cost and lack of appropriate facilities).
• Welsh Government (Sport) to provide details of an event in the Senedd regarding a Welsh Athletics campaign on women’s safety.
• Welsh Government (Sport) to share information on the partnership work by Swim Wales and the Black Swimmers Association.

A new strategy for unpaid carers is being developed. Officials are seeking to engage with as many stakeholders as possible. Forum members are invited to share any suggestions for appropriate stakeholders with Welsh Government officials.

The next meeting is due to take place on 29 January 2026.