Mayo-based MEP appointed full member of European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee

Maria Walsh, MEP for Midlands-North West, has been appointed as a full member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), and has committed to tackling gender-based violence as her number one priority.

The Mayo native has named a number of other priorities as a member of the committee, including providing supports for female farmers and women in rural areas, supporting the financing of female-founded businesses, and ensuring that gender equality remains a central consideration in justice and home affairs.

MEP Walsh, who will be the Fine Gael representative on the committee in the European Parliament, stated: “The fight against gender based violence is at the top of my list of priorities as I join the Gender Equality committee this week. Last year in Ireland, physical violence reports were up 74%, while there was an 87% increase in economic abuse.

“While a lot of the legislative heavy lifting was done last term with the passing of the directive on combating violence against women, my focus will be ensuring its full and proper transposition into national law by all member states between now and June 2027 – with a particular focus on the implementation by the Irish government.

“Sadly, the fact that we do not have a commissioner dedicated to equality is a somewhat regressive step in our fight for women’s rights. Equality is now a minor focus in the multi-task portfolio; Commissioner for Crisis Management and Preparedness, and Equality. Any mention of equality was also noticeably absent from President von der Leyen’s State of the Union address last July.

“I will be working hard to ensure that equality for women, LGBTI members and other minority groups are on the political agenda of the incoming commissioner.”

MEP Walsh added: “In my work on the Justice Committee, I remain committed to advocating for policies that address systemic gender imbalances and protect women’s rights. In particular, I will work on intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking, a crime that overwhelmingly targets women.

“With the EU Anti-Trafficking Directive set to come into force in 2026, I will work to ensure public authorities have stronger tools to investigate and prosecute emerging forms of exploitation, including those occurring online. Additionally, I will prioritise ensuring that victims and support organisations receive enhanced support and funding.

“Gender equality has always been central to my work, and I am honoured to join the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee this term.”

MEP Walsh is also a full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) Committee, and a substitute member of the Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), and Regional Development (REGI) committees.