Wexford Event Aims to Boost Women’s Representation in Local Politics

On Friday 24^th April in County Hall, Wexford Women Together facilitated by See Her Elected hosted an event aimed at increasing participation and diversity in local government, outlining how women interested in politics can get involved at a community and local government level. 

Currently, 26% of County Councillors nationally are female.Just eight of Wexford’s 34 Elected Members are women. These eight elected representatives form a coalition called Wexford Women. Together with an aim to engage with more women, bring forward initiatives and to highlight issues of concern to women. 

Chairperson of Wexford Women Together, Councillor Barbara Anne Murphy, explained, “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.”

Organisers facilitated a discussion with female Elected Members of Wexford County Council on the challenges and rewards of the role of the Councillor and how women working together can support other women to take the step to get involved in politics .The overall aim is gender parity in the Council Chamber and further information events will be held in a bid to increase the number of women represented on the Council after the 2029 local elections.

Michele explained that while the 2029 Local Elections may seem far away it is important for potential candidates to put in the groundwork now and to start building a good foundation. This event explained to participants how our councils work and the different avenues to getting involved through community and voluntary groups contributing to Wexford’s Public Participation Network. Wexford Women Together expressed the importance of this event and plan to build on the interest out there from women interested in getting involved in local government through engagement in politics.