Welsh Conservative MS makes list of 100 most influential and inspiring women in the world

A Welsh Conservative MS has been named in the BBC’s list of the 100 most influential and inspiring women from around the world for 2021.

Natasha Asghar, who is a Senedd member for South East Wales, made history this year when she became the first woman of colour to be elected to the Senedd since it was formed in 1999.

She has made the list alongside the likes of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Samoa’s first female prime minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, Professor Heidi J Larson, who heads The Vaccine Confidence Project, and acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Before joining politics, Asghar worked as a banker, TV presenter and radio DJ, and she has also written two books.

The aim of this year’s 100 Women list is to highlight those who are hitting “reset” and are playing their part to reinvent our society, our culture and our world.

Women from Afghanistan make up half of this year’s list, some of whom appear under pseudonyms and without photos because of fears of reprisals from the Taliban.

Asghar, who is also the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport and Technology, said: “It is a huge honour to be named in this list alongside some extremely talented and trailblazing women, who have achieved great things in their significant positions.

“I have been overwhelmed with messages and support since the list was revealed and I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to me.

“It is a huge privilege and I am truly honoured to have been included in such a prestigious list.

“However, my work is not done. I want to inspire people from all walks of life and backgrounds to become involved in politics and I will work tirelessly to help others follow in my footsteps and enter the political arena.”

‘Smashed the glass ceiling’

Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS added: “Natasha smashed the glass ceiling six months ago, making history as the first woman of colour to be elected in the Senedd.

“She is already proving to be a fantastic MS, adding great value to the Senedd and the Welsh Conservatives and if she is not in the chamber holding the Labour Government to account, she is out and about in her region meeting constituents and trying to help them. She never stops.

“Being ranked in the top 100 most influential and inspiriting women across the world is a fantastic achievement and it is well deserved. I know her family will be extremely proud, and her late father, Oscar, will be looking down with pride.

“Congratulations Natasha from all of us in the Welsh Conservatives.”