Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ84619

We have worked closely with our partners throughout the pandemic to identify and address the impacts for and on women.

The Advancing Gender Equality in Wales plan was published in March 2020 and we are working to implement the key actions. The pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities, including gender inequality, and there is a need to consider the plan in this new context.

I have asked the Covid-19 Evidence Centre to undertake a rapid review to identify innovations which can address inequalities experienced by women and girls due to the pandemic. WEN Wales has compiled findings from its polling and engagement work over the course of the pandemic to ensure the lived experience of women and girls informs any new elements to the plan.

I have established a gender equality sub-group of the Strengthening and Advancing Equality and Human Rights Steering Group to focus on implementation of the plan and other gender equality work. The group has selected three priorities for the coming year – care, women’s health and achieving an intersectional approach to gender equality.

Key elements of the gender equality review relate to changes in how policy is made, in addition to specific policy needs. A number of pieces of work are underway to achieve this change, including a pilot to create a model of work to support equality mainstreaming and gender budgeting.