Lesley Griffiths said: “I am delighted to celebrate International Women’s Day with the Wales Women’s rugby team. The players have achieved great success and are very strong, positive role models for women and girls across the country.
“International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on the progress we have made and celebrate the courage and determination shown by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in history by challenging gender inequality.
“Today is also an important opportunity to consider the very real issues and barriers still facing women and girls not only in Wales, but right across the world. It is a day for men and women to stand together and call for change.”
The Welsh Government’s determination to make Wales a more equal society is set out in its Programme for Government. Actions the Government is taking to address the issue include tackling gender stereotyping, addressing occupational segregation and equal pay and helping women access the careers of their choice.
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “The Welsh Rugby Union fully supports International Women’s Day.
“Our very own women’s rugby team is doing a magnificent job in their current Six Nations campaign. Our players are proving to be great ambassadors for the sport and an inspiration to future generations of young women players.
“It’s important to have strong female role models such as the Wales Women’s rugby team and hopefully next Sunday at Swansea we will have another big crowd to watch them play Ireland in a crucial encounter.
“Now is the time for men and women to stand together and continue to celebrate and advance the achievements of women in our nation.”
