Joyce Watson AM Shortlisted for Woman in Public Life Award

Local politician Joyce Watson AM has been shortlisted to win a prestigious Woman in Public Life award.
Mrs Watson is one of four finalists in her category in the first annual Womenspire awards.
Her work includes successfully campaigning for an anti-trafficking co-ordinator for Wales, helping Wales lead the way in targeting modern slavery.
She also leads the Not in my Name campaign with the WI, recruiting male ambassadors to confront attitudes around violence against women.

The awards, run by Chwarae Teg, celebrate the achievements of Welsh women from all backgrounds who are doing extraordinary things in all parts of their everyday lives.
Haverfordwest-based Joyce Watson has represented Mid and West Wales for Labour since 2007, and she has strong links across the region.
Joyce Watson AM said:
“I am honoured to be recognised by being shortlisted for this award.
“It is a privilege to deal with all aspects of people’s lives while representing the region, including vital issues like health, schools, transport, jobs and protecting local services.”
The winners of each of the Womenspire awards will be announced at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama on Thursday 14 April 2016 at a special ceremony attended by finalists and guests from across Wales.
Joyce Watson has championed women’s issues for many years. 11 years ago, in her previous role, she began marking International White Ribbon Day in Wales, where men pledge not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Mrs Watson added:
“The need to stand up for women seems as urgent now as ever. Women still earn on average almost fourteen per cent less than men, 46 years after the Equal Pay Act. Ten per cent of executive Directors on boards are women, while just six per cent of engineers are women. Two women a week on average die at the hands of current or former partners.”
Mrs Watson has written and commissioned research into the role of women in Welsh public life, and published her findings on trafficking in Wales in Knowing no Boundaries in 2010.
She has built international relationships for Wales through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and other Interparliamentary groups.
Mrs Watson added:
“I look forward to seeing the wide range of finalists across the categories. Chwarae Teg should be commended for launching these first awards.”
For more about Joyce Watson AM’s work, go to www.joycewatson.org.uk