Empowering women in Mayo: Introduction to Local Government Seminar Series
MAYO County Council, in partnership with See Her Elected (SHE) - a national training and awareness initiative - will host a series of in-person seminars this May aimed at encouraging and supporting women to engage in local government.
These events build on conversations initiated during a free screening of the award-winning Mrs. Robinson documentary in Ballina last summer and a successful online talk series in late 2024.
The four in-person seminars will explore topics such as the history of women in Mayo politics, the responsibilities of Mayo County Council, and the day-to-day role of a county councillor, and are designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the workings and significance of local government.
Each session will include informative video content, interactive discussions, and a Q&A segment to give participants a deeper understanding of how local government functions and how they can get involved.
Seminar details are:
Aras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet: Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m.
Ballina Municipal District council chamber: Tuesday, May 13, at 10.30 a.m.
Claremorris Family Centre: Monday, May 19, from 8 to 9.30 p.m.
Castlebar council chamber: Tuesday, May 20, from 10.30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission to all sessions is free but prior registration is required.
To register, visit here or email corporatedev@mayococo.ie.
These seminars aim to break down barriers to political participation for women and underrepresented groups, while increasing awareness of how local government operates and how to become more involved - whether through the Public Participation Network (PPN), local committees, or by standing for election.
It is hoped to have the female councillors currently serving on Mayo County Council attending and offering participants the opportunity to hear first-hand experiences of women in local politics.
Mayo County Council are delivering this initiative with funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Megan Flynn Dixon, communications and development manager for See Her Elected, emphasised the urgent need for greater female representation: “Since Nellie Robinson’s election in 1967, only 12 women have ever been elected to Mayo County Council. Women’s perspectives have been missing from key decisions for far too long. We want to change that.”
The campaign will continue into the autumn with a schools roadshow, engaging students across Mayo and encouraging civic participation by promoting awareness of how local government works and why it matters.