Childcare key issue for women and families in GE24 says NWC

Published: Monday, November 11, 2024

The National Women’s Council today launches our manifesto for women in General Election 2024

The National Women’s Council is today (Monday 11 November) launching our feminist vision for an Ireland that advances women’s equality and protects women’s rights. Childcare, violence against women, and universal healthcare (including reproductive rights) are issues that top the agenda for many women. Today, we are calling on all general election candidates to demonstrate their commitment to women and equality by supporting our ten key manifesto asks.

NWC Director Orla O’Connor said:

“This General Election is a pivotal chance for voters to set the political agenda for the next five years and achieve the transformative change that women need. As a society we are facing several growing challenges and inequalities. The context of this election is very different to the last election, with multiple crises facing families and the rise of the far right. That’s why we are calling on all candidates to make clear their commitment to women and to equality, and we are calling on voters to check their candidates’ commitment before you vote.”

Women and girls continue to experience stark inequalities in all facets of society and are therefore less resourced to deal with the impact of the crises we are facing as a society. The climate, housing, and cost of living crises all impact significantly more on those on lower incomes, who are often women. War is a destabilising force internationally and far right actors, now emboldened by the re-election of Trump, are endangering women’s and minority rights.  

However, there is an unprecedented level of funding and resources available to the next Government. This General Election is therefore a unique opportunity to tackle the ongoing structural, economic, and social inequalities that women face.

NWC’s Head of Policy and Development, Kate Mitchell, said:

“There is growing cross party support for a public system of early childhood education and care following NWC’s e-action which saw thousands of emails sent to party leaders calling for a public system. We also know, from the 2018 vote, that voters are committed to reproductive rights and will support candidates who commit to ensuring no woman has to travel for an abortion. And we know that violence against women is at epidemic levels, with 52% of women experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime. Women voters will choose candidates who are strong on ending violence against women.”

NWC’s top three asks are a public system of early childhood education; a universal health system; and a renewed focus on tackling the epidemic of violence against women. In addition, we also need to see clear commitments towards care services and supports that promote autonomy and dignity; housing and accommodation; women’s leadership and participation; eliminating poverty; climate solutions that put people and planet first; and ensuring an Ireland for All.

 

Ends/

For comment: Orla O’Connor and Kate Mitchell

Find here NWC’s Manifesto:

https://www.nwci.ie/images/uploads/Final_GE_Manifesto_2024.pdf

and our supporting document:

https://www.nwci.ie/images/uploads/General_Election_NWC_Feminist_Manifesto_Supporting_Doc_2024.pdf

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

Notes:

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