Blows struck for the Welsh feminist cause?

The role of women in politics is not discussed often enough on the blogs. I suppose that could be because the Welsh blogosphere is far too male-dominated (although Betsan Powys and Bethan Jenkins AM are notable exceptions to that rule).

As I reflect on the troubles of Governor Palin (R, Alaska) in her vice-Presidential bid, I wonder whether her experiences demonstrate that Wales is far ahead of the US when it comes to gender equality. Some might argue that Wales's heritage of strong female leaders explains this trend (think Annie Powell, Buddug and Jemeima), but I also think the Assembly as an institution has changed the situation.

Cambriapolitico ponders whether Edwina Hart could be the next First Minister - will she stand? That's the question on everyone's lips: not whether she is capable of doing the job. That is not in doubt. Then we have the prominent widely-acclaimed female members of the cabinet, Elin Jones and Jocelyn Davies from the new crop in particular.

News has now reached me that Helen Mary Jones has been elected Deputy Group Leader of Plaid Cymru in the Assembly. Then we have the near certainty that the next Lib Dem leader will be a woman. And while Kirsty Williams is running away with it in my exclusive poll, Jenny Randerson hasn't had her say quite yet and Eleanor Burnham may have had too much of a say. It's only the Tories, with no Welsh women MPs and only one woman in the Assembly, who aren't playing their full part in this fast-developing gender equality.

While the staunch feminists might disagree with this, all in all, I'd argue there are several good reasons to be cheerful this year if you are a Welsh woman.