Councillor Lynda Davies, Labour 

For me, International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to remember and  celebrate the achievements and contributions of women and girls, past and present, globally and in our own communities, who have fought bravely for the things which we take for granted today.  On this day we can unite and shed light on the continued fight for equality and women’s rights for all women and girls everywhere in the world. 

Women need to have a voice at every level of representation – to be ‘change makers’ in Parliament, local government and community. Their representation in politics is fundamental to gender equality and genuine democracy – women make up more than half the population so women must be part of decision making and policy making.  Women have a different set of lived experiences and perspectives to men and their voice is needed if democracy is to work effectively and women’s causes are to be highlighted and advanced. 

I am inspired by the women who have spoken out, taken risks, stood up to be counted, in order to achieve equality. For example, Malala Yousafzai overcame life threatening injuries after an assassination attempt when she was 15 years old. She became a prominent activist for female education. Also, Rosa parks, civil rights activist,  who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus. She was arrested and fined. Her bravery in challenging the segregation rules in America in 1956 inspired the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama. And of course the Suffragettes who fought incredibly hard to get women the right to vote in the UK, often using extreme tactics to do this. With the outbreak of WWI one of the founders of the movement, Emmeline Pankhurst, encouraged Suffragettes to help  with the war effort, taking on the jobs traditionally done by men, earning lots of respect by doing so and showing just how much women contributed to society. 

Councillor Eleri Griffiths, Plaid Cymru                        

International Women’s Day is a reminder that the situation and status of women worldwide needs specific focus.  The fact that we need a day dedicated to women is testament to how unequal and disadvantaged girls and women are. IWD is a platform to draw attention, campaign, understand and support our sisters in their various endeavours to find justice across the world. 

Girls and women are the backbone of communities.  We are the carers, mothers, daughters and neighbours who often spend our time supporting others. I think that politics and local services improve when girls and women have an equal voice.  It is often the case that women are affected differently when political decisions are made. Take the example of a decision to erect a bus stop - research shows that a third more women use buses than men. Having more  women in politics leads to improvements on issues that disproportionately affects us and ensures that women’s perspectives are heard when decisions are made. 

Jacinda Ardern was inspirational to watch as the world’s youngest Prime Minister, showing it is possible to govern in an inclusive and honest way.  I particularly like the way she addressed children directly when she shared information and decisions. 

I also admire my mother - who had to leave home at 16 to continue her education, and lived an independent life in the 1950’s challenging the expectations of those around her. 

Councillor Cathy Lisles, Independent                

International Women's Day is a chance to reflect on the brilliant achievements of the women of the world. We make up more than half the population but not always half the representation in all aspects of society, not yet anyhow. 

Our situation in the UK, while still not perfect, is still miles better than for many of our sisters across the world who day to day face the challenges we conquered years ago. My particular interest is in the franchise, the right to vote. 

In New Zealand, women gained the right to vote in 1893, in the UK it took until 1928 for all women over 21 to be able to vote. Switzerland had to wait until 1990 and in Saudi Arabia women were only able to vote and also stand as candidates in local municipal elections in 2015. Now, in Wales, young people from the age of 16 can vote in Senedd elections. 

I would encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote, whatever their gender. It saddens me when there is a low turn-out for elections. 

If you choose not to be involved, others will make decisions for you and you will have to put up with what others decide. Seeing things that were not right in my community started me on the journey to where I am today, helping to raise funds to refurbish local playgrounds and helping to fight against the closure of the local library. 

People are often scared of the unknown, they think that Community and County Councils are not for the ‘likes of them’. I would say, go for it ’feel the fear’ and do it anyway! 



I’m inspired by any woman who, when they raise an idea and hear ‘yes, but…’ are not put off and never take it as a no! Any woman who faces the opposition and negativity of others, the nay-sayers, and finds a way round the difficulty or obstacle to reach their goal. Better to have tried and failed than failed to try - that’s my motto! 

Councillor Angela Karadog, Green Party

I use International Women’s Day as a day to celebrate the strong and inspirational women I know. A reminder to lift each other up and also to be grateful for the work done before us to fight for equal rights and opportunities across the board. 

We still have work to do though. We live in a world where girls can be denied an education, women aren’t allowed to work, and where they are, workers are denied equal pay and conditions. Where politicians can police our bodies and healthcare choices. Where women’s identities are up for public debate. Where misogyny is so ingrained into popular culture we can no longer see it. These issues hurt us all men, women, cis, trans, straight, gay and everything between.

None of us are equal until we are all equal and we need events like IWD to raise awareness, share support and educate.

Our local governments can’t represent us if they are not representative of us. I’m also a believer in ‘you’ve got to see it to be it’. Our young people need positive role models, if they see people like themselves getting involved and making a difference they are more likely to believe that they can too.

I’m inspired by anyone who works to make the world a better place. Locally we have some amazing women who do wonderful things. 

Recently I’ve been really inspired by the Jamaican artist Koffee who despite growing up in a country where being gay is illegal as well as culturally shunned, is pushing LGBTQIA acceptance in mainstream circles. I admire all people who stand up to injustice but doing so when there is so much stacked against you is incredibly brave.