An International Women’s Day Message from Deputy Chair, Diane Hughes

Serving as a Trustee for Age Cymru, a National Charity in Wales that supports Older People to live well in later life is an honour and a deep personal commitment. In my role, I have the privilege of contributing to a vision where ageing is respected, valued and where everyone, regardless of circumstance, can live their later years with dignity, purpose, connection and joy.

As a Trustee for Age Cymru, I recently attended a very special reception at Windsor Castle given by our King and Queen in recognition of Carers throughout the United Kingdom. It was an honour and a privilege to attend this event together with two fellow Trustees and a member of Age Cymru staff.

Our King delivered a wonderful, uplifting message, and many attendees had the opportunity to share their caring experiences. I was struck by the magnificent work of so many women representing organisations from the third sector, and it made me reflect on the importance of women’s voices and the role we play in advocating leadership.

So, as we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, I’d like to talk about the vital role of compassionate leadership and on the women, families and communities who make care, empathy, advocacy and inclusion central to daily life across Wales.

Championing leadership & women’s voices in care

Leadership in the third sector is not about authority. It is about translating values into actions. It is also about care, courage, compassion and ensuring policies, practices and human connections all work together to improve lives. In this increasingly digital world, human connections are vital, especially for a significant number of older people who may feel lonely, isolated and often digitally excluded.    

As a woman in a Trustee and governance role, I am passionate about ensuring that diversity and inclusivity are embedded in every aspect of our work. Older people, particularly older women often face multiple layers of inequality, from financial insecurity to social isolation. We strive to challenge these inequities by encouraging policies and programmes that value every stage in life and every person’s unique experiences.

Advocates, carers, good neighbours, supportive families and friends are the backbone of our communities, balancing compassion, resilience, making daily sacrifices to ensure others live with dignity. Their commitment embodies the true spirit of service and reflects the values that guide our work and my role as a Trustee.

I’d encourage more women to take on Trustee roles, bringing fresh perspectives and compassionate leadership to the charitable sector. Being part of the Age Cymru Team has strengthened my commitment to social impact and reinforced the importance of women’s voices in shaping positive change. On this year’s International Women’s Day, we must celebrate the women who inspire positive change every day, whether they are leading organisations, caring for loved ones, or lending their voices to causes that matter. 

Deputy Chair, Age Cymru

Diane Hughes