#FeministEurope

Published: Thursday, April 11, 2019

NWCI launched its European Election campaign today (11 April), calling on voters to give a strong mandate to the European Parliament to progress feminist policies that promote an inclusive and sustainable Europe for all.

To kick off the campaign NWCI launches its Feminist Manifesto for Europe today which outlines key demands in relation to six core policy areas where the European Union has impact. These include women’s leadership, violence against women, economic independence, care, equality at work and climate change.  

NWCI is calling on all European election candidates to publicly sign up to its Feminist Manifesto through its dedicated European Election webpage. 

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,

“We are inviting candidates and voters to support our manifesto and make a decisive stand for a feminist Europe. Many of the challenges women face are global challenges that require solutions at a European and global level.  For many years, women in Ireland have hugely benefitted from the European Union. Key achievements for women in work, such as pay equality, family leave and childcare, happened due to action taken at European level. It is crucial that the European Parliament continues to have a strong progressive mandate that favours policies for women.”

She continued,

“Over the next five years, MEPs will be making important decisions on key issues affecting women’s lives today. One area is the implementation of the Directive on Work-Life-Balance which will set minimum benchmarks for parental, paternity and carer’s leave, and the right to request flexible working arrangements.  

The European Union’s signature and ratification of the Istanbul Convention on violence against women would send a strong signal to all member states that its implementation, including funding for vital support services for women, such as s refuge spaces, must be prioritised.

The European Union also plays a key role in advancing women in leadership at all levels and promoting the 40% quota for women on boards of companies across Europe.”

As part of its #FeministEurope campaign, NWCI will also be hosting a number of hustings that will be a unique opportunity for voters to question candidates on their vision for a feminist Europe.

Laura Harmon, Women in Leadership Coordinator with NWCI said,

“Many young people, in particular, young women have been mobilised in Ireland as part of recent political campaigns. We hope our campaign will raise awareness about relevance of the European elections and encourage in particular young women to get out and make use of their vote on May 24th.”

NWCI hustings will take place as follows:

• Dublin Hustings, 16 April, 6 - 8 pm, Radisson Blue Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8
• Galway Hustings, 7 May, 6 - 8 pm, Harbour Hotel Galway, New Dock St, Galway
• Cork Hustings, 15 May, 6 - 8 pm, Nano Nagle Place, Douglas Street, Cork

NWCI’s European election campaign is being supported by the European Parliament. NWCI is encouraging voters to pledge their vote as part of the European Parliament initiative – This time I’m voting 

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For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Head of Communications, Tel. 085 858 9104.