National Women’s Council expresses disappointment at gender imbalance in Irish Government

Published: Thursday, January 30, 2025

The National Women’s Council (NWC) today expressed its deep disappointment at the significant gender imbalance in the new Government. There are only six women amongst the record number of 23 Junior Ministers. This follows the decision to decrease the number of women in the Cabinet from 4 to 3. 

Rachel Coyle, Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation with NWC said,

“It is very disappointing to see that following the decrease of women in the Cabinet from 4 to 3, the Government failed to address this significant gender imbalance in Government and only appointed 6 women as Junior Ministers amongst the record number of 23.”

She continued, 

“Women make up over half of the population and our voices and experiences are crucial for the functioning of our democracy. We are concerned about the message this gives on the Government’s commitment to women’s equality. It is therefore all the more important that the Government prioritises actions that will promote the participation and representation of women in all aspects of society, including leadership in politics. This includes the development of and investment in a public system of childcare, the urgent adoption of gender quotas for Local Elections and addressing women’s income inequality, particularly for lone parents.” 

She concluded, 

“In addition, the two main Government parties must show leadership in addressing the gender imbalance within their organisations. This must go beyond just fulfilling the gender quota for election candidates and include nurturing a culture that supports and promotes women in their diversity within their parties.”