Llanelli ‘s Women’s Co-operative Guild held a very successful event in Llanelli Town Hall on Sat 8th March to celebrate international women’s day, a day when traditionally, we celebrate women’s achievements, but we also seek to challenge obstacles and inequalities which disadvantage women. The event included a session by Rachel Gegeshidze on Spice Time Credits, a scheme which rewards people with time credits for contributing time voluntarily to their community (putting ‘Time In’), and they can then use the credits to access events, training and leisure services, or to trade time with neighbours (getting ‘Time Out’). Women also heard from Tracy Pike, the Manager of Carmarthenshire Youth and Children’s Association, about their excellent work , including tackling sexploitation, from Joyce Watson AM on measures to tackle human trafficking and from Anna Graham of Hafal on the lack of appropriate facilities for women prisoners with mental health problem. In summing up, Nia Griffith MP said, “ Many of the issues we have heard about today have only come to public attention through persistent campaigning by women, and it is vital that we continue Labour’s lead to push for more women in politics and in the leadership of all our organisations, so that issues which still predominantly affect women such as carers’ rights and childcare provision get the attention they deserve.”
Chair, Tegwen Devichand addressing Llanelli Women's Co-operative Guild members and guests and speakers (front row) L-R, Rachel Gegeshidze, Anna Graham, Tracy Pike and Joyce Watsom AM.