It’s time for #MoreWomen in politics in Mayo

WOMEN for Election, the non-partisan, independent organisation that has trained women to stand for election since 2012, is calling on women across Mayo to sign up for its next INSPIRE Campaign School, which starts online on Wednesday, September 29.

Ireland has a poor record for female participation in national and local politics when compared globally. Just 23% (37 of 160 members) of our TDs are women.

In Mayo, five of the 15 candidates who stood in the last general election were women. One woman was elected, making Mayo one of 27 constituencies which did elect a female. Twelve - or one third - of the 39 constituencies in the country did not.

The record is poorer at a local level. Of the 30 elected members of Mayo County Council, just two are women, giving a 6.6% representation only. Nationally, 25% of elected councillors are women.

“Currently, when decisions are made about our lives, our homes, our communities, our businesses, the diversity and value of women’s contribution is missing from our politics,” said Women for Election CEO Caitriona Gleeson. “A 50/50 gender balance in government is key to Ireland becoming a thriving vibrant society. But we have a long way to go to get there, based on current figures.

“We can change this, starting with greater equality and diversity in local participation and local representation for women,” she continued. “Key to this is providing women from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures with the training, tools and resilience to come forward as local area or local community representatives, to stand for election and to withstand challenges that they may face as elected representatives.”

The INSPIRE Campaign School runs over three consecutive weeks, with training in three key themes with three nationally recognised leaders and mentors: Confidence with Orlaith Carmody on September 29; Communications with Margaret E. Ward on October 6; and Campaigning with Pat Montague on October 13. The training sessions take place in the evening, starting at 6.30 p.m. and running for up to 3 hours, with breaks. The cost is €50.

However, Women for Election does not want cost to be a barrier to people joining the training and so concessionary rates are available as well as scholarship places.

Women for Election research shows that there are a variety of barriers that make it more difficult for women to access politics in Ireland, starting with the resources of time, money, and continued difficulties with candidate selection in political parties – the basic ingredients necessary to run for office successfully.

In addition, women face specific barriers with regard to self-confidence and safety. The risk of on and offline abuse is a growing consideration for many women stepping forward for public office. In addition, the extra care responsibilities that women disproportionately have responsibility for can also be a barrier.

To find out more about the INSPIRE Campaign School and to register, go to https://www.womenforelection.ie/ or email hello@womenforelection.ie.