Marking International Women’s Day on Thursday (8th March) this week all-Wales Euro MP Jill Evans, who is Vice Chair of the European Parliament Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities Committee, has warned that there is still a long way to go to ensure equality between men and women in Wales.

Ms Evans, the leader of Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales in the European Parliament, was joined in Brussels by Angharad Closs Stephens from the party’s Women’s Section, where they were both attending a series of events and conferences to discuss women’s rights.

Ms Evans said,

"International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight the progress which has been made towards achieving equality between men and women but also to identify areas where so much more work needs to be done. All the facts and figures show that there is a long way to go, not least in terms of pay equality and in getting more women elected to decision making positions at all levels of government."

"There are two main issues we will be looking at in the European Parliament this week. The first is the growing problem of trafficking in women and the need for a co-ordinated approach to end this criminal trade as well as providing support for its victims. The second issue is the involvement of men in gender equality campaigns. We must remember that this is not only a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue and one from which the whole of society will benefit."

Angharad Closs Stephens added,

"I hope that these events, together with the activities taking place in Wales and throughout Europe, will result in more awareness and positive action to create a society in which women can reach their full potential."

DIWEDD/END.