The deadline is approaching to shadow Rhun ap Iorwerth AM with applications closing Friday 31st January.

Local Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth is encouraging young women in Ynys Môn to consider a career in politics and learn more about what life is like as an AM through Chwarae Teg’s LeadHerShip.

LeadHerShip gives young women aged 16-22 the chance to shadow an Assembly Member for the day and learn about how key decisions are made in Wales. The day includes gaining insight into day-to-day life as an AM, learning how the Assembly Works, a Q&A with women AMs and a mock debate, where participants will discuss women’s experiences in Wales today.

Women are still notably absent in many decision-making roles in Wales; the Assembly is performing well with 47% of AMs being women, but the number is much lower for Welsh MPs at 35% and just 28% of local Councillors are women.

Chwarae Teg wants to make sure that women’s voices are heard at every level of decision making, and that young women are encouraged to speak up about the issues to matter to them. LeadHerShip hopes to inspire the next generation of future leaders, and to encourage more engagement with Welsh politics.

Rhun ap Iorwerth AM said: “LeadHerShip aims to inspire the next generation of leaders by offering unique insight into Welsh political life. I’m pleased to be taking part and offering young women in Ynys Môn the chance to shadow me, and learn more about how the National Assembly represents them.

“It’s crucial that women’s voices are heard in decision making in Wales, and while the National Assembly has made great progress towards equal representation, there is more work to be done. I hope that LeadHerShip can break down barriers to entering politics, and encourage young women to consider a role in politics themselves.”

The deadline to apply for LeadHerShip 2020 is Friday 31st January. Women aged 16-22 in Ynys Môn who wish to take part can apply at https://chwaraeteg.com/projects/leadhership/#leadhership-national-assembly