As Wales’ first female First Minister, Eluned Morgan is no stranger to breaking barriers. With a political career spanning three decades, she has witnessed first-hand the strides made towards gender equality and the persisting challenges. On the eve of International Women’s Day, she reflects on the significance of her historic appointment, Wales’s progress, and the women who inspire her in an exclusive interview with Cardiff Life Magazine.
For many, Morgan’s appointment as Wales’ first female First Minister is a long-overdue moment in history. She acknowledges its significance, not just personally but for women across the nation. “We’ve had a Senedd for 25 years, and this is the first time we’ve had a female Labour leader. It’s quite extraordinary that in 2025, we’re only just seeing this happen,” she states. “We need to reflect on that, take it seriously, and recognise how much more needs to be done.”
While she recognises the weight of this milestone, Morgan is quick to emphasise that progress in gender equality extends beyond symbolic appointments. “We have made massive strides,” she says. “The difference between when I entered politics 30 years ago and today is like night and day.”
Morgan candidly reflects on the barriers women have faced in Welsh politics, while also acknowledging the support that has enabled their progress. “There was a definite push within the Labour Party to get more women represented,” she explains. “Without mechanisms in place to support women in politics, they simply don’t get through. We like to think discrimination doesn’t exist anymore, but there’s still an underlying sense that we haven’t quite cracked the equality agenda yet.”
Despite the challenges, she believes Wales has emerged as a leader in gender equality. “We have achieved so much in becoming a more equal nation. But there’s no point in just being a woman in politics unless you’re actively reflecting on the issues that matter to women.”
When asked about the women who have influenced her journey, Morgan’s first answer is immediate: her mother. “She is an extraordinary woman. She’s 92 now and has Alzheimer’s, so I spend every weekend looking after her in Pembrokeshire. But she always taught me to ‘create a memory’—to do things that matter, to make things happen.”
Beyond her family, she cites Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland as a key influence, as well as the late Glynis Kinnock, with whom she worked closely during her years in the European Parliament. “Glynis was an extraordinary woman who inspired me every day in my 15 years representing Wales in Europe.”
Morgan is also keen to highlight women in Welsh politics today, particularly her colleague Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education. “She’s meticulous and has been relentless in fighting for mental health issues in schools. She’s made a real, lasting change in Wales.”
For young women aspiring to enter politics, Morgan offers straightforward advice: “Ask yourself—what motivates you? What drives you? Politics isn’t just a job, it’s about coming in with a fire in your belly to change things.”
For her, that fire was lit by her upbringing in Ely, Cardiff. “I saw people in my community who were just as clever and capable as I was, but they weren’t getting the same breaks. That’s what brought me into politics, and it still motivates me today. How do we ensure that everyone—regardless of their background—gets the opportunity to fulfil their potential?”
A proud Cardiffian, Morgan is passionate about her home city. “One of the things I love about Cardiff is its size—it has a real sense of community, but because it’s the capital, it also has the cultural institutions and events that you wouldn’t normally find in a city this size.”
She highlights Cardiff’s vibrant arts scene and the major events it hosts, from the Wales Millennium Centre’s productions to the National Museum’s exhibitions. “It feels young, it feels like it’s looking to the future. And it has a responsibility—not just to drive forward the economy of the city, but to share that success with the rest of Wales.”
As International Women’s Day approaches, Morgan’s message is clear: progress has been made, but the fight for equality is far from over. Wales can continue to lead the way in empowering women and shaping a more equal society.
