International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements, raises awareness about discrimination and encourages individuals and organisations to take action to drive gender equality.
Newport Civic Centre will be lit purple on Wednesday 8 March to mark the event which this year is focusing on embracing equity.
The words equity and equality are often used interchangeably. Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities. Equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and are allocated the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome.
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of the council, said: “Women have long represented a high percentage of the workforce of Newport City Council, but changes in policies, attitude and culture have resulted in an improved level of equality and equity.
“Women now also represent the majority share at the most senior levels – both officers and politicians – and we have encouraged development at all levels by recognising the barriers women face and ensuring our policies and approach ensure equitable opportunities for all.”
Closing the pay gap
Newport City Council’s mean (average) pay gap has decreased from 4.8 per cent in 2018 to 0.6 per cent (as of 31 March 2022).
This means that when comparing average hourly pay, the difference between men and women has been reduced by 4.2 per cent in the last four years.
Newport City Council’s median (mid-point) gap has decreased from 3 per cent in 2018 to -0.4 per cent (as of 31 March 2022).
This means that the council’s median gap has been closed, and women’s median hourly pay is 0.4 per cent higher than men’s.
Beverly Owen, chief executive of Newport city council, said: “We have made positive strides, but there is still more to be done. We will continue to review and improve in areas such as leadership and workforce development to ensure everyone has the opportunity to progress, while ensuring the workforce is more representative of the population we serve. We will also provide support for employees with manageable health issues or disabilities to gain access to work at all levels, and through employee engagement we will listen to our staff, using their feedback to improve opportunities for all.”
The leader and chief executive will also be attending a South Wales Argus event where twenty more women will be added to the ‘Amazing Gwent Women Hall of Fame’.
Councillor Mudd, added: “I was honoured to be included in the original list presented last year, so to return this year and mark the occasion again with a group of deserving women will be a privilege. Congratulations to all involved.”
Facts about Newport City Council
Representation in senior leadership
• The leader, deputy leader, chief executive and strategic director for social services are women
• 73 per cent of heads of service are women
• 56 per cent of cabinet members are women
Percentage of women in each pay quarter at NCC (2022/23)
Women occupy:
• 69 per cent of the upper quartile/highest paid jobs
• 71 per cent of the upper middle quartile
• 69 per cent of the lower middle quartile
• 70 per cent of the lower quartile/lowest paid jobs.
#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity
