Chief Executive of the gender equality charity Chwarae Teg, Cerys Furlong speaks with Buzz Magazine about Womenspire 2017, a celebration of women in Wales.
Could you sum up what it is that Chwarae Teg does?
Chwarae Teg is a charity that is building a Wales where women achieve and prosper.
How did CT get started?
As a charity, since 1992 we’ve been working to help ensure that women in Wales can enter the workplace, develop their skills and build rewarding careers. We are striving to ensure that women’s voices are heard at all levels of decision making in Wales and we work closely with the government, academics and industry to influence the development of policies.
Why do you think events like Womenspire are important?
Womenspire is the national celebration of women in Wales. It’s important to increase the visibility of women’s achievements and contributions to Welsh life so that others will be inspired to follow suit. The power of role models in so important when striving for gender equality.
Womenspire celebrates women not only who have reached the top of their career but for those who traditionally have gone unnoticed. There is so much talent that is coming through from women of all different backgrounds and those who are doing great things in their communities.
We want Womenspire to celebrate all of these achievements as well as the women, men and organisations that are creating gender equality in Wales for future generations.
What can be done to further improve opportunities for women across Wales?
Women make up 50% of the population in Wales and yet are women remain dramatically under-represented in positions that influence our culture and institutions. Organisations who have already embraced cultures that allow women to achieve and prosper have already seen the benefits of diversity. This should no longer be the exception. Influencing policy is key in Wales to ensure that women are at the heart of all decision making in Wales and that women are fully supported along each stage of the journey to succeed.
How do you think issues affecting women have changed since Chwarae Teg was founded?
Chwarae Teg will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this year and it’s a great time to reflect how far we have come! There is huge misconception that we live in a post-feminist society and that women have an equal voice and opportunity. This is categorically not true. A quick look into the gender pay gap statistics, the number of women in leadership and public roles and the rise of violence against women will tell you all you need to know. Whilst we have come a long way since Chwarae Teg was established in 1992, there is still work to be done and there cannot be a better time for change in Wales. Over the coming years Chwarae Teg will continue to work with women to ensure that they are supported from poverty, thrive in the economy and have their voices heard at all levels of influence in Wales.
What sort of world would you like to see in 15 years’ time?
I would like to see a world where my daughters grow up in a world where gender equality is a far closer reality for them. That they have the opportunity to thrive in a career of their choosing and that they are supported, ambitious and adventurous for their future. I would also like to see them be proud and celebrate the achievements of the women who have gone before.
Womenspire 2017, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Wed 21 June. Tickets: £35. Info: www.cteg.org.uk
Buy tickets here. Deadline for tickets is Wed 7 June.
Image is Organised Kaos, who will be at Womanspire 2017