New campaign aims to create 'first gender-equal nation'

Making Wales the first "gender-equal nation" is the aim of a new social enterprise being launched on Friday.

The organisation, called Girls Circle, aims to give girls a platform to express their views and create a fairer society.

More than 200 schoolgirls, women and professionals launched the group at an event in Cardiff.

It follows a survey of 800 14 to 21-year-olds showing 90% do not feel well-enough supported in Wales.

Children's commissioner Sally Holland believes the group will help "support, empower, and inspire girls everywhere to realise their rights".

Founder Nikki Giant said the campaign aims to "give young women and girls a voice and a platform to air their views and suggestions to create a fairer, more equal Wales".

Just a quarter of top elected positions in Welsh councils were held by women and only 4% of Welsh firefighters are female, according to recent research.

Girls from schools and colleges will speak at the launch about issues including a lack of role models and gender stereotypes causing inequality.

Girls Circle wants to look at problems including online bullying and positive mental health, as well as holding annual reviews to measure progress.