Let us work to create a Wales where all people are truly equal
Equality is for all, not just for some, says Julie James, Leader of the House and Chief Whip at the Welsh Government...
THE role of Leader of the House and Chief Whip is one you cannot ever really prepare for; the inspirational people you meet on a daily basis, the poignant stories they want to be heard, the humanity which makes Wales the provoking country that it is – every day is one of awe.
Part of my role is to ensure equality is for all, not just for some. I’m very fortunate to work with people who tirelessly work for this; whether it’s my dedicated colleagues, the diverse groups of people fighting for a better life, or the fantastic organisations that support them.
Everyone’s right to equality is secured by Welsh law, under the Equality Act 2010, and our human rights are protected by UN and EU Conventions – rights often taken for granted when we fit into non-minority groups.
We’re surrounded by awareness events, many I proudly support. Over the last fortnight alone we’ve seen Anti-bullying Week, Interfaith Week and Safeguarding Week, as well as Islamophobia Awareness Month and the International Day of Tolerance. These days may seem inconsequential to some, but they play vital roles within our societies, boosting community cohesion. This is something I hold very close because I know that a Wales which values and supports our various unique communities to participate equally, especially those who have been part of our society for almost 500 years, will be stronger as a result.
Our national strategy, ‘Prosperity for All’, has set out Welsh Government’s vision for Wales as a vibrant, tolerant and welcoming place to live and work – a country we can be proud of, which is outward-looking, and where people of all backgrounds are respected and valued. It states our commitment to continuing work to counter discrimination and ensure opportunities for all, but especially among our migrant, refugee, asylum-seeker and settled community groups who are most likely to face unwarranted hostility and discrimination.
Gypsies, Roma and Travellers are among the most marginalised groups in our society. These groups experience discrimination, inequality and a lack of opportunities; perpetuating the negative views and misconceptions which fill the narrative around them. Our plans are not about making special arrangements; they’re about ensuring our society is inclusive of everyone to enable a diversity of culture and perspectives to thrive.
Earlier this month we saw the centenary of the end of the First World War being marked across the UK. Countless men and women lost their lives protecting our country – however too often the tremendous contribution by Britain’s ethnic minority groups is forgotten. Shocking, but such exclusion is not unheard of even in this modern day. Our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups are still not adequately represented in our media, in politics, in our workplaces and this is just not acceptable. However, we are working hard to change this. Our BAME projects are not only crucial, they are essential to making Wales the inclusive-to-all, welcoming country we know it can and should be.
Gender equality is still very high on the agenda, highlighted even more so in the past year with movements such as #MeToo. It is unfathomable that here in the UK in the 21st century, one in five women are victims of sexual violence, one in four women are victims of domestic abuse, and two women a week die at the hands of their intimate partners or former partners.
Yesterday was a prominent and often heart-rending, day in my calendar. The UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and also White Ribbon Day provide an opportunity to reflect on how we can make violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence a thing of the past and to show our support to those who are subject to such horrific actions. Violence against women is not inevitable – we can change culture and we can challenge ingrained beliefs. Our campaigns under the Live Fear Free banner, which runs all year, make it very clear that here in Wales we will not accept any form of violence or abuse and everyone has the right to live free from fear.
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to making every individual in our nation as equal as the next, but I wholeheartedly believe this can come with time. We have a responsibility to all work together to eliminate all forms of discrimination. It is not somebody else’s problem – it is at our front doors and in our neighbourhoods.
Race, religion, sex, sexuality, age, disability – I believe we can live in a world where none of these are seen as limiting factors, but simply part of what makes us unique.
There is not a one-size-fitsall answer to making every individual in our nation as equal as the next JULIE JAMES