ARFON MS Siân Gwenllian has marked International Women’s Day with the announcement of the selection of seven new female County Council candidates in her constituency.

Siân Gwenllian MS herself embarked on her political journey as a county councillor, having previously served as a community councillor and school governor.

International Women’s Day is a day of celebration held every March 8 to commemorate the global achievements of women, and the advancement of women’s causes.

The MS for Arfon has marked the day by welcoming the selection of new women Plaid Cymru candidates for the Gwynedd wards of Groeslon, Tregarth a Mynydd Llandygai, Gerlan, Cadnant, Llanberis, Hendre, and Bethel.

Ms Gwenllian said: “14 years ago I embarked on the journey these women are starting on now, when I put my name forward to be elected councillor for my home village of Y Felinheli.

“The diversity of the council chamber left a lot to be desired back then – I served as the only woman on the Cabinet.

“I was also the first woman to represent the Arfon constituency.

“I have first-hand knowledge that when women are absent from public life, so are the voices and the priorities of women. Sadly, the situation is slow to change.

“In the 2017 Gwynedd Council Elections, the percentage of men in the 45-65 age category elected increased by 18%.

“There are challenges facing women, young people and other marginalised communities that simply don’t effect this demographic.

“This is not confined to Gwynedd. Throughout Wales, only 29% of councillors are women.

Ms Gwenllian is looking to change this, with seven new female candidates standing for election: Llio Elenid Owen (Groeslon), Beca Roberts (Tregarth & Mynydd Llandygai), Einir Wyn Williams (Gerlan), Dawn Lynne Jones (Cadnant, Caernarfon), Kimberley Jones (Llanberis), Anna Jane Evans (Hendre, Caernarfon), and Sasha Williams (Bethel).

The Arfon MS added: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we can be more optimistic.

“They’re women that truly belong to their local areas, as school governors, organisers of local events, secretaries of football clubs, community councillors, or as volunteers with various food share schemes and community initiatives.

“They also bring with them a wealth of occupational backgrounds in youth work, the housing sector, religion, community work, sporting and much more.

“International Women’s Day is a fitting day to welcome those candidates, and I wish the very best of luck come the elections in May!”