With reports of sexual assault, rape and violence against women on the rise, it is simply unacceptable that convictions for sexual violence are at a record low.

Tens of thousands of women report crimes to the police each year which are motivated by misogyny, but they are not recorded as such.

Plan International estimate that 66% of girls and young women have been sexually harassed in public.

As the laws stand, women are unprotected by the failure to classify misogyny as a hate crime. 

It is time this Conservative government show they are taking violence against women and girls seriously. 

It’s estimated that 66% of girls and young women have been sexually harassed in public.

With @Wera_Hobhouse‘s Bill to recognise misogyny as a hate crime, we can help give survivors confidence that the police are taking the issue seriously. pic.twitter.com/m6nyKwYGQy

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) March 9, 2020

I am introducing a Bill that would make misogyny a hate crime so that those who have subjected to this gendered violence and harassment can have confidence that the system will give them the support and justice they need:

Hate Crime (Misogyny)

Bill to make motivation by misogyny an aggravating factor in criminal sentencing; to require police forces to record hate crimes motivated by misogyny; and for connected purposes.

By making misogyny a hate crime, we could understand how misogyny influences crime in requiring police forces across the UK to keep a record. And where the motivation of misogyny is provable, crimes could be prosecuted more severely.

In 2020, misogyny should not be tolerated by anyone. It is time for a culture change.

This legislation would not only give our police the tools to make our streets safer for women, but send a strong message that everyday sexism must and can be stamped out.

Recognising misogyny as a hate crime would help give survivors reassurance that the police are taking the issue seriously.  

In 2020, misogyny should not be tolerated by anyone. It is time for a culture change.

Jo Swinson

An MP at the age of 25, a Government Minister at 32, and elected Liberal Democrat leader at 39, Jo Swinson has packed a lot into her first four decades.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women in every corner of the world. Today, we celebrate the women pushing boundaries, defying stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings.

Let us recognise those who have paved the way – from Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, to Dina Asher-Smith, the fastest woman in British history. And of course, my amazing friend, Jo Swinson, who last year became the first female leader in our party’s history.

Each of these women and countless others have played an important role in inspiring the next generation by showing young girls everywhere that gender should never place a limit on what a person can achieve.

The fight for equality is far from over – much work remains to be done

Sadly, the fight for equality is far from over, much work remains to be done. In the UK alone, women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence, 1 in 5 women will experience sexual assault during their lifetime, and we are yet to bridge the gender pay gap. This is unacceptable.

Each of us, regardless of our gender identity, have a role to play in building a more just and equal world. Gender inequality is not a woman’s issue, it affects all of us. Just think of the unknown solutions, the missed discoveries, the untapped talent, we lose every day to bias and discrimination.

Today and every day let us stand up for women’s rights and let us work to end the misogyny that suffocates women’s potential.

To the women who have come before, the trailblazers of today, and those on their way – thank you and happy International Women’s Day.

Over 22,000 (yes, twenty-two thousand) submissions have already been made to the party’s independent review into the general and European elections. But that’s not stopping the review team, headed up by Dorothy Thornhill, from wanting to hear more…

There are currently 4 open vacancies on Welsh Liberal Democrat committees that are open to all members.

Being on a committee is a really potent way of having your say on how our party is run. If you’re keen to get more involved, why not take a look?

Ordinary Member of the Membership Development Committee 

1 vacancy to be filled

Ordinary Member of the Board 

1 vacancy to be filled

Ordinary Member of the Finance & Resources Committee 

2 vacancies to be filled

Never stood before? Don’t worry – the Federal Party has put together a guide to the process that you might find useful:

Read now

It’s a really exciting time to be involved with the Welsh party. With the Welsh Parliament elections coming up next year, this is your chance to be part of a big win for the Liberal Democrats. We’d love to have you on board!

If you’re interested, all the info you need can be found at the link below. Nominations are open from the 4th March until the 25th March – good luck!

Find out more

Ar hyn o bryd mae 4 swydd wag agored ar bwyllgorau Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol Cymru sy’n agored i bob aelod.

Mae bod ar bwyllgor yn ffordd wirioneddol nerthol o ddweud eich dweud ar sut mae ein plaid yn cael ei rhedeg. Os ydych chi’n awyddus i gymryd mwy o ran, beth am edrych?

Aelod Cyffredin o’r Pwyllgor Datblygu Aelodaeth

1 swydd wag i’w llenwi

Aelod Cyffredin o’r Bwrdd

1 swydd wag i’w llenwi

Aelod Cyffredin o’r Pwyllgor Cyllid ac Adnoddau

2 swydd wag i’w llenwi

Peidiwch byth â sefyll o’r blaen? Peidiwch â phoeni – mae’r Blaid Ffederal wedi llunio canllaw i’r broses a allai fod yn ddefnyddiol i chi:

Darllenwch nawr

Mae’n amser cyffrous iawn i fod yn rhan o’r parti Cymreig. Gydag etholiadau Senedd Cymru yn dod i fyny’r flwyddyn nesaf, dyma’ch cyfle i fod yn rhan o fuddugoliaeth fawr i’r Democratiaid Rhyddfrydol. Byddem wrth ein bodd yn eich cael chi ar fwrdd y llong!

Os oes gennych ddiddordeb, gellir dod o hyd i’r holl wybodaeth sydd ei hangen arnoch trwy’r ddolen isod. Mae’r enwebiadau ar agor o’r 5ed o Fawrth tan y 26ain o Fawrth – pob lwc!

Darganfyddwch fwy