By Dan Walsh
Next Friday, Wexford Women Together is hosting an event facilitated by See Her Elected in the Council Chamber of Wexford County Council and will offer women information on how to get involved in local politics and explain what the working life of an elected representative involves.
Wexford Women Together recognises the significant challenge posed by the underrepresentation of women in local politics throughout rural Ireland.
For example, there are only eight women out of 34 councillors on Wexford County Council which is 23.5%. Since 1925 there have only been 17 women elected to Wexford County Council.
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson of the Wexford Women Together explains that “As female elected members, we are not seeking to outnumber our male colleagues. Gender parity is what we seek, representative of the society that elects us. International research shows that having more women leaders involved in the decision-making process, makes for more equal, inclusive, fair, and caring societies as they bring to the fore issues and challenges previously perceived as non-priorities such as childcare, community facilities, community development, and gender-based violence.”
Dr. Michelle Maher from See Her Elected praised Wexford Women Together for organising such a relevant and timely event. “Although the next local elections aren’t until 2029, by encouraging women to think from now on about being in local government gives them time to start planning and learn how to run”.
She added that “it’s important that we all know how our councils work and the different ways we can all get involved in decision-making – from responding to calls for submissions, to the opportunities for community and voluntary groups to contribute to council policy through Wexford’s Public Participation Network.”
Women interested in finding out more can book a place at this event.
WexfordLocal.com 