Welsh Women’s Aid unites with women’s organisations in Wales to welcome the UK Government consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act

Welsh Women’s Aid unites with women’s organisation in Wales to welcome the UK Government consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act:

Eleri Butler, CEO of Welsh Women’s Aid said:

“Welsh Women’s Aid stands together with women’s organisations in Wales – WEN Wales, Chwarae Teg and Women Connect First – to support the need for Gender Recognition Act reform, so we welcome today’s published consultation.

As the umbrella body in Wales working to prevent violence against women, we recognise that all forms of violence against women share characteristics that are linked to gendered social norms and expectations. Dismantling gender stereotypes and norms as a system of oppression that perpetuates women’s inequality is vital if we are to make any inroad into preventing violence against women and to achieving equality for women and girls.

 It’s essential that all survivors of abuse have equal access to safety, protection and support. Services for survivors of abuse in Wales already support trans women and trans men in refuges and community services, and they assess every survivor on a case by case basis in order to best respond to their needs, in line with the Equality Act 2010. We also welcome UK Government’s earlier confirmation that there are no proposals to change the Equality Act 2010 which enables organisations to continue to provide single-sex services where needed and reinforces the continued need for disaggregated data to monitor sex and gender-based discrimination.

We will be working with our sister organisations and engaging with members to respond to this consultation so that any new processes are appropriate, fair and have no unintended consequences.”

For a full copy of our joint response please see here: