Elected Wexford women seeking gender parity

By Dan Walsh

Wexford Women Together, previously known as the Women’s Coalition, has been launched to acknowledge the notable milestone of eight female councillors currently serving on Wexford County Council.

Wexford Women Together has formulated a new strategy and action plan setting out their core goals and objectives to inspire and empower women in Wexford to take part in everyday community life- whether that is through local activism, civic engagement or putting a name on a ballot paper.

The primary aim is to boost women’s participation in politics, beginning with roles in local government.

Their mission is to empower women of all ages and ethnicities to participate at every level of community activity; inspire more women to become involved in politics and increase female representation in Wexford County Council while promoting the contribution of a dynamic female group in the Council. 

Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson, stated; “The reality is that we need more women to get involved – to put themselves forward; if that is not you, perhaps you know someone who should be preparing to run in the local elections in 2029. I can tell you, it is very flattering to be asked to run, and your suggestion may take root and come to fruition in 2029.

“Wexford Women Together is about supporting each other – a group of elected women with diverse perspectives who can disagree, without fear of retaliation, and in the knowledge that we will support each other when the going gets tough.  We will seek further funding for training for prospective female candidates.

“I feel that if we work together, we can increase the number of females elected to Wexford County Council. In 1928 there was one, in 1978 there were two, in 2004 there were four and now in 2025 there are eight women serving on Wexford County Council.

“If we can double that, we are 16 – just one short of half. That is where we need to get to – gender parity, and I challenge all that have an interest in this to work hard so we do achieve gender parity by the 2034 Local Elections.”