6th March, 2021
Public Consultation on Equality and Inclusion Funding Programme - Welsh Government
Welsh Government has launched a public consultation on their Equality and Inclusion Funding Programme. We need your help to speak up now!
By Martha Gwion
This is the funding programme through which Welsh Government funds groups such as Stonewall Cymru and Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales, both of which were recently criticised for the gender woo woo in their International Women’s Day packs.
Welsh Government are proposing a change to the scheme which means that once the decision to fund an organisation is made it will stand for 5 years – an entire Senedd term.
The consultation document acknowledges that there may be downsides to this, since it means that there is no opportunity for smaller or new organisations to apply for the funding. It would also make it harder for Welsh Government to respond to new challenges to equality that emerge due to the long-term consequences of the pandemic.
There are similarities between the situation in Wales and in Scotland. We are a small country and the institutional capture of the public sector is extensive. Showing that they are different to the current UK government is important to our politicians. There has already been a Welsh Government Ministerial Statement that they will do all they can to enable self-ID. We need to act now to protect women and girls’ sex-based rights in Wales. If it happens here it is likely to add impetus to developments in the rest of the UK.
A small number of organisations has privileged access and influence and consults only with groups and individuals with similar beliefs. Not only do they develop policy documents and action plans, but they deliver training to civil servants, politicians and policy makers. They are not representative of the diversity of views in Welsh society and Welsh Government have in effect outsourced their thinking – and delivery - on equality issues to lobby groups.
Call to Action
Please respond to the consultation by Tuesday 30th March, either as an individual or as part of a group. There are 11 questions but most of the points can be made by answering three or four of them.
You can find out more and respond electronically here.
It is best if you use your own words, but here is some inspiration with regards to points you can raise.
Even if you only have time for a brief response, please submit one. (You do not have to live in Wales to do so). If you have more time you could:
-Spread the word – either through discussing your concerns with friends and family, or through social media. Encourage other people to respond to the consultation.
-(If you are in Wales) drop a line to your Senedd members. Remember that you have 4: one representing your constituency and another three from the regional list. Find their contact details here: https://business.senedd.wales/mgFindMember.aspx. Your MP may be interested in hearing your views too.