TORFAEN council has said it will endeavour to work towards gender parity for women across the borough, and challenge the biases and inequalities that women face.

The statement has been made in conjunction with today's International Women's Day, and comes as the authority earlier this week passed its Strategic Equality Plan for 2020-2024, at the same time pledging to be role models in the fight against inequality.

A council spokesman said: "International Women's Day on Sunday, March 8, provides an important opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while calling for greater equality.

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"In Torfaen County Borough Council we are proud to have a female chief executive, a 50/50 gender split in the Council Cabinet, a female Assembly Member, and a Public Services Board that includes more women than men.

"We are all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

"Each one of us can help create a gender-equal world.

"This week, the council approved our Strategic Equality Plan for 2020-2024, and over the next four years we will be striving to highlight gender parity and working to improve outcomes for women who call Torfaen home.

"We pledge to be role models and vow to challenge the biases and inequalities that mean women have to try that bit harder than men to achieve the same things.

"Women's equality can't wait. It's going to take everyone to think and be inclusive - all the time, everywhere."