The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales is using International Women’s Day to celebrate the economic contribution of older women in Wales, a contribution worth billions of pounds a year that often goes unseen.
The Commissioner has published an infographic which highlights this massive contribution and compares it to the value of key sectors of the Welsh economy.
Looking at a range of data sources, the Commissioner has found that older women contribute around £350 million a year as taxpayers, £1.4bn as unpaid carers, £402 million as volunteers and over £125 million through providing childcare. This adds up to a massive contribution to the Welsh economy of over £2.3bn a year.
In comparison, the value of agriculture, forestry and fishing is worth £693 million, while the value of food services and accommodation is worth £2.1bn.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said:
“International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women across the globe.
“But it’s important to remember that women are making a crucial contribution every single day, a contribution that often goes unseen, particularly for older women.
“That’s why I wanted to highlight the economic contribution that older women make in Wales – as taxpayers, unpaid carers, volunteers and through childcare – which is currently worth over £2.3bn and is set to grow significantly in the years ahead.
“So let’s use this year’s International Women’s Day to celebrate the massive contribution that older women make to our economy, our communities and our lives.”
