Leading the Change for Women’s Equality - NWCI launches new Strategic Plan 2013- 2015

Published: Monday, June 24, 2013

National Women's Council of Ireland celebrated its 40th anniversary at an event on Friday June 14, 2013. On this occasion NWCI also launched its new Strategic Plan 2013 - 2015 and its Annual Report 2012.

Orla O'Connor, NWCI Director opened the event, which saw Minister of State Kathleen Lynch launch 'Leading the Change for Women's Equality' the new NWCI Strategic Plan (2013-2015). The Plan is the result of intensive consultation with NWCI members over the last months.

The morning seminar on women's equality also brought together two other outstanding women, Dr Rhona Mahony, Master of the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, a role model for women in leadership and Ceri Goddard, CEO of the Fawcett Society, the national women's organisation, leading the campaign for women's equality in the UK. They had been invited to inspire the 160 members of NWCI at their Annual AGM.

Orla O'Connor invited more Irish women to join with the NWCI and continue on the road to full continue equality for women. 'There continue to be significant challenges and we have a long way to go to realising women's human rights and attaining full equality.'

Echoing these comments Ceri Goddard said 'Greater gender equality must be seen as a key ingredient, not the icing on the cake in building a healthier society and sustainable economy, a goal not a burden in these straitened financial times'

Launching NWCI's new Strategic Plan 2013 - 2015, Minister of State Kathleen Lynch said 'I believe that the new Strategy will serve the NWCI well as they build on their successes over the past forty years and look to the future. I would like to think that the NWCI will continue play an important role in bringing the women of Ireland to the centre of policy making and decision-making so that we can address those gaps in relation to power, politics and influence and let our country go forward with gender balanced, gender sensitive decision-making.'

While progress in the past 40 years has been slow, in recent times there has been more cause for optimism. Quotas for encouraging more women into political leadership are very welcome, as are the changes signalled by our Constitution Convention on changing the place of women in Irish society, the progress towards marriage equality and the first piece legislation on abortion in Ireland.

Orla O' Connor commented 'NWCI is particularly heartened by a resurgence of an interest in feminism. Our membership is growing and many young women – and men – have joined in NWCI's youth Initiative, the Y Factor project, which is empowering and supporting young people to become leaders for women's equality. If we want Ireland to be a different place for women - and men - in the next 40 years we must all take a proactive role in these challenging times to ensure that the attainment of women's rights and equality is at the centre of change in our society'

Dr Rhona Mahony stated, 'Approximately 14,000 women pass through the National Maternity Hospital every year. I am constantly inspired by women's strength and courage in the face of all kinds of challenge. I am equally impressed by the diversity of women's role in society. This diversity needs to be celebrated and supported.'

Leading the Change for Women's Equality - NWCI Strategic Report 2013 - 2015 - Summary

We would like to thank all of our members who have contributed to the devleopment of our new Strategic Report.

At the event NWCI also launched its Annual Report 2012

Working to improve Women's Lives - NWCI Annual Report 2012