Following the approval by Government, at its special meeting on International Women’s Day, 8 March, of practical measures to address the current imbalance between women and men in local government, Mr John Paul Phelan TD, Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, today (1 May, 2019) announced funding of almost €200,000 for specific initiatives to achieve this objective.
Minister Phelan stated:
In the 2014 local elections, only 21% of candidates elected were women, placing Ireland well behind the EU28 average of 32% for female representation in local politics. The low participation of women in local government is most acute in rural areas. We need to address this deficit in representation and, starting in this local election year, we need to begin the process immediately.
The Minister added:
In developing these initiatives, my Department has worked closely with key stakeholders, Women for Election, the National Women’s Council of Ireland and Longford Women’s Link. I am pleased to be able to provide funding support to these organisations as they work towards our shared goal of increasing the number of women in local government.
The Minister has approved continued funding this year for Women for Election for their activities in training and capacity building of women candidates of all political persuasions, particularly in advance of the local elections on 24 May 2019. Women for Election will also receive funding for their special social media campaign to promote the participation of women in the 2019 local elections and in local government generally.
In the lead up to the local elections on 24 May, Longford Women’s Link, and their long time collaborators, 5050 North West, will be supported in their work in rural areas to train potential women candidates, and build understanding and awareness of the role of a councillor.
The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) will receive funding to host a number of events to mark the 120th anniversary of local government in Ireland. The 1899 local elections were the first time that any women in Ireland had the right to vote and stand for election. These commemorative events will explore and celebrate the role and importance of women in local government, drawing lessons and experiences for today. NWCI will also receive funding to conduct substantive research involving women in elected office and the experiences of women running as candidates in this year’s local elections.
The Minister added:
At its meeting on International Women’s Day, the Government approved measures to support and encourage women to enter a career in politics. The funding announced today focuses on important awareness and capacity building of women candidates, particularly in rural areas, and more primary research.