Difference women can make to democracy'

MS for Delyn

On Saturday, women took over the Senedd as part of the We Belong Here: Women’s Takeover of the Senedd initiative, designed to encourage the next generation of women in politics. The event was organised by Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales and Elect Her and the aim is to bring together women from all over Wales to connect, mobilise and champion their role in Welsh democracy. It was great to see a diverse range of women from all over Wales and I was pleased to take part in a panel during the morning’s session, an opportunity to share my own story and to emphasise the difference women can make to democracy – we don’t just change to face of politics, we change the focus.

On a similar note, I also attended the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Council of the Isles event, this year hosted by the Wales TUC and not too far from home in Llandudno. The conference is a chance for representatives to come together to discuss and take action on the key issues facing women in work and in our communities. It was a pleasure to be part of it and a real honour to be asked to address delegates in a room full of fabulous and formidable trade union women.

This follows on from joining Ruth Brady, GMB Regional Secretary, Barbara Plant, GMB National President, and my Senedd colleague Sarah Murphy MS last week at the GMB Wales & South West Women’s Conference. It was an opportunity to come together to talk about all that women bring to our movement – past, present and future – as well as to share our stories in order to encourage and empower others. I’m proud to be a trade unionist and being part of a trade union makes a difference to workplaces, women and Wales.

On the subject of workplaces, I also spoke at a Welsh Retail Consortium’s event to celebrate the launch of the 2023 Charitable Giving Report. The report detailed funding to charitable projects, employing and helping refugees and supporting schools in Wales and, in my capacity as Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, I talked about the importance and impact of the retail sector in Wales and how it is rooted in the heart of every community. Most of us will have worked in retail or have family members who do and retail is ingrained in our lives, in our communities and in our economy. The event showed how so many retailers go that extra mile to raise money and support charities through donations, fundraising, awareness-raising and community activity and that’s something we can all get behind.

North Wales Police have issued some new guidance on rural crime prevention, something I know a lot of Delyn residents in more rural areas are concerned about. Theft is a particular issue in rural areas, so the guidance aims to encourage farms, rural businesses and residents to lock away tools, equipment and vehicles and check their security regularly, installing alarm systems where necessary. You can read the full guidance at www.northwales.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/rural-crime-prevention.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait until an advice surgery.