Women For Election and the National Women’s Council to host joint pre-election hustings

Published: Thursday, November 21, 2024

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWC) and Women for Election are calling on general election candidates to commit to increasing women’s representation in the next Dáil term. NWC have highlighted 10 key asks for gender equality this election that would address the current barriers to women’s participation. These include delivering quality public services to address the childcare crisis, investment in women’s health, and combating violence against women.  
 
NWC and Women for Election are hosting a pre-election digital hustings, Thursday 21st November at 8:30pm, to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from political parties about their plans to advance women’s equality in the next Program for Government.

Representatives from the parties will address questions on their commitment to public services including public childcare; on whether they would support a 40% gender quota for the Cabinet and for local elections; and on the policies they will implement – such as maternity leave – that would support women in politics.

Brian Sheehan, CEO of Women For Election said:  

“Ireland is 104th in the world for women in our parliament. Women in Ireland make up 50% of the population, but less than a quarter of political decision-makers in both national and local government. By including more women at the decision-making table, we can make politics work better for everyone. Gender balance in government isn’t just about fairness; it leads to better decision-making and a stronger democracy by ensuring representation for all." 

 
Rachel Coyle, NWC Head of Campaigns & Mobilisation said: 
 
"Addressing the barriers to women’s participation in public life requires bold and systemic change. On November 29th voters have a critical opportunity to elect feminist candidates commited to advancing women’s rights and driving transformative change in the next Program for Government. Women have the power to shape the outcome of this election, we must ensure our voices and priorities are front and center.

We have an opportunity to vote for candidates and parties dedicated to addressing barriers to women’s participation with concrete measures such as quality, affordable public childcare, gender quotas in local elections and fostering a zero-tolerance approach to violence against women. The advancement of women’s equality is not a guarantee, so it’s vital that everybody uses their vote to make sure the future is fairer, feminist, and more inclusive for all.” 
 

Participants in the hustings include:

Cllr Maria White SF (Meath East)

Hannah Deasy Lab (Chair of Labour Women)

Cllr. Hazel Chu Greens (Dublin Bay South)

Cllr Nuala Killeen SD (Leixlip)

Síomha Ní Aonghusa PBP (Dublin Rathdown)

Cllr. Sarah Barnes FG (Dublin South West)

Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi (Longford)

 

Ends/

For comment: Rachel Coyle and Brian Sheehan

For more information, please contact Sinéad Nolan, NWC Communications and Social Media Coordinator, 085 8619087 or sineadn@nwci.ie

Notes:

What: Women For Election and National Women’s Council joint hustings

When: Thursday November 21st 8:30pm

Where: online. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/general-election-hustings-national-womens-council-and-women-for-election-tickets-1082290342549

 

About NWC

The National Women’s Council is the leading national representative organisation for women and women’s groups in Ireland, founded in 1973. We have over 190 member groups and a large and growing community of individual supporters.

The ambition of the National Women’s Council is an Ireland where every woman enjoys true equality and no woman is left behind. This ambition shapes and informs our work, and, with our living values, how we work.

We are a movement-building organisation rooted in our membership, working on the whole island of Ireland. We are also part of the international movement to protect and advance women’s and girls’ rights. Our purpose is to lead action for the achievement of women’s and girls’ equality through mobilising, influencing, and building solidarity. Find out more on www.nwci.ie