FORMER Senedd Member, Suzy Davies, is celebrating Women’s Equality Network’s tenth birthday by embarking on ten 10km fundraising walks on different parts of the Wales Coastal Path.
The Path, also enjoying its tenth birthday this year, is a popular destination for charity walks. But as we approach the 100th birthday of universal suffrage, Suzy is not just donning sturdy boots for her challenge: She’s tackling it in full suffragette dress.
Suzy said:
“Women’s Equality Network Wales simply seeks to place women’s rights at the heart of decision making in Wales, so women’s voices are heard on the issues that affect them most.
“Its tenth birthday seemed a good time to try and raise some money for WEN. When I realised it was the Coastal Path’s tenth birthday too, the idea just presented itself. Being so close to the centenary of legislation introducing equal votes in Britain as well, I just had to pay my respects to the suffragettes at the same time.
“WEN has already helped persuade Welsh Government to commit to enshrining new legal protections for women into Welsh law, via the UN’s Convention the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as well as campaigned for equal representation in politics.
“I’ve seen first hand WEN’s successful mentoring scheme supporting women to expand their horizons and explore opportunities in a unique, supportive, and safe space. It’s empowering women from all backgrounds to become future leaders in political and public life, whatever their barriers. It found money to support disabled people to stand as candidates in the 2022 council elections.
“It seemed right, then, to ask our current legislators to celebrate with me, and I’m pleased that so many of our MSes and MPs have been willing to sponsor me – and even come with me on part of the walks. Of course, I’m asking anyone who supports a Wales free from gender discrimination to contribute too!”
Julie James said: “I was very happy to donate to Suzy to keep up a great campaign raising awareness of two great organisation’s anniversaries. I wish her the best of luck with the rest of the walks, and I hope she does not get too many blisters while fundraising for a great cause!”
You can support Suzy via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WENat10