The following interview with Ann Davies MP marking International Women's Day, was conducted by Angharad Evans (FUW Welsh Language Communications Officer) - and originally appeared in the March 2025 edition of Y Tir.
Can you believe it's March already? An important month for a number of reasons - the weathermen refer to the first of March as the first day of spring - I really hope the weather will be more spring-like, particularly as many of us embark on lambing season.
By the time you read this, it will only be about three weeks until the clocks change and that means longer days and better and kinder weather - hopefully! But there is another special little day happening in March too - a whole day to celebrate us women!
International Women's Day is celebrated annually on the 8th of March, in different ways around the world in order to celebrate the achievements of women in the political, scientific, financial world etc. We can also add one more area to this list which is agriculture, and one woman from Carmarthenshire is an inspiration to us all in proving that it is possible to balance different responsibilities and make a difference.
Ann Davies is a wife, mother, grandmother, farmer, an active member of the Farmers’ Union of Wales, and a passionate Member of Parliament in Westminster since 2024 and has broken new ground for women in agriculture.
On the eve of International Women's Day, I had the opportunity to ask Ann about her personal experience of how to make a difference, here is Ann to explain more:
"With International Women's Day being celebrated on the 8th of March, it is important to take a moment to reflect and appreciate the contribution of women to the agricultural industry and beyond," explains Ann. "As women, we often take on several roles at the same time, and as a mother, grandmother, farmer and Member of Parliament for Carmarthen, I know very well how important the ability to balance different responsibilities is.
“Being a woman in traditional industries such as agriculture and politics requires resilience and dedication, but it also offers invaluable opportunities to make a difference.
"From being a peripatetic music teacher to working in Westminster, my journey has been one of hard work and perseverance. As Chair of the Carmarthenshire County Branch of the FUW, I have seen women across our communities take their place in shaping the future of agriculture. We must ensure that the voices of women within the industry are heard and that they receive the resources to succeed - be it on the farm, in business, or in Parliament.
"The agricultural industry has attracted a lot of attention in the press recently, and there is no doubt that it is under pressure. With changes to inheritance taxe, rising costs and the need for greater sustainability, it is essential that the voice of every farmer - whether male or female - is heard. In Westminster, I continue to press for support for Welsh family farms, which act not only as the backbone of our rural communities but also as custodians of our language and culture.
“Despite the pressure, my roots keep me strong. Time on the farm with the family, Sunday lunch with the grandchildren, and milking on mornings when I'm not in London reminds me of who I am. Women across Wales are proving every day that they can balance work, family and public life. My message to any woman is: don't be afraid to take your place. We have a voice - let's use it."
Ann's story from close to the farm to Westminster is an interesting one, an inspiration and above all encourages women to venture into traditional fields and to make a difference.
Thank you Ann for your dedication, hard work and persistence, at home in Carmarthenshire and ensuring that there is solid representation for women in agriculture and that there is a passionate voice for Welsh farmers over in Westminster.
We look forward to seeing more women representing agriculture at all levels!
