SCECLB17- P Wales Assembly of Women

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio | Reform Bill Committee

Bil Senedd Cymru (Rhestrau Ymgeiswyr Etholiadol)| Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill

Ymateb gan Cynulliad Merched Cymru | Evidence from Wales Assembly of Women

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill and the need for legislation to deliver the Welsh Government’s stated policy objective (to make the Senedd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broadly representative of the gender make-up of the population)?

Overall, I think the Bill To make the Senydd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broad representative of the gender make up of the population covers most of the achievable principles. The problem is that there is not enough support at ground level to encourage, train and support women of all ages to engage politically. Without this support with the extra caring and domestic many women it is not reasonable to expect that we can deliver gender representation.

What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?

System of enforcement and potential sanctions and non-compliance proposed by the Bill appear to be able to be adequate

Are there any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions? If so, what are they, and are they adequately taken into account in the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment?

The implementation of the bill will be hampered because women have a much greater burden of caring and other domestic tasks which often preclude them from taking an active part in politics. Without increased support for women of all ages in domestic and caring roles as well as increased training and careers advice, number of women able to participate in politics but not reflect or diversity of Wales

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

As with much legislation with the a positive gender balanced towards women, there will be some negative perception of the competence and capability of the candidates which could detract from their success in being elected

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?

No comment

What are your views on the balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation? Are the powers for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation appropriate?

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?

Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill?

There has been insufficient collaboration with NGOs