Natasha Asghar MS marked this year’s International Women’s Day by taking part in a series of events and making a statement in the Welsh Parliament.
Two young students, taking part in Chwarae Teg’s Leadership Scheme, spent several hours shadowing Natasha as she went about her work in the Welsh Parliament.
The students – Gabriella from Abertillery and Menna from Tintern – were given a unique insight into Natasha’s day-to-day life and met with several Welsh Conservative politicians including Tom Giffard MS and Andrew RT Davies MS.
After shadowing Natasha and asking her questions, Gabriella and Menna were given a tour of the Senedd and got the chance to visit the debating chamber.
The LeadHerShip event, which Natasha sponsored, aims to encourage more women from across Wales to consider a future career in politics.
Natasha later took part in a Q&A session alongside Jayne Bryant MS and Sioned Williams MS with the audience asking questions on a range of topics including diversity and period poverty.
The South East Wales politician also marked International Women’s Day by taking part in a panel event organised by Tata Steel and made a 90 Second Statement in the Welsh Parliament.
During the statement Natasha told the chamber:
“As we mark International Women’s Day, I hope that all members will join me in celebrating the groups, organisations and businesses in Wales that are working hard to build a more balanced and progressive workforce and I comment all of the women and men out there who are allies when it comes to creating more equality for women.
“I will always say to every woman who wants to achieve a certain dream ‘do not ever let someone’s comments, criticisms and negative feedback prevent you from the life that you desire, dream and aspire to achieve.’”
“A wise man once said to me ‘why should Mother’s Day be only one day of the year? It should be celebrated every single day of the year.’ And I hope that women are celebrated every day of every month of every year going forward.”
Speaking afterwards, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“International Women’s Day is a hugely important occasion, celebrating all the political, social, and cultural changes women have made and it was a real pleasure to get involved with a series of events in the Welsh Parliament this week.
“Nothing brings me greater joy than seeing women breaking barriers and smashing through glass ceilings in all aspects of life, and while we still have a long way to go, big changes are happening every single day.
“Taking part in the LeadHerShip event was a personal highlight for me because it was a truly wonderful to see so many young people with such a strong passion for politics and I hope to see some of them taking their seats in the Welsh Parliament one day.”
