Wexford Women Together & See Her Elected

On Friday, April 24th, Wexford Women Together, in partnership with See Her Elected, will host a significant event in the Wexford County Council Chamber to address the underrepresentation of women in local politics. The event, aimed at increasing participation and diversity in local government, will provide women with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the world of politics, including what the working life of an elected representative truly entails.

In Ireland, only 26% of councillors are women, and this disparity is even more pronounced in rural areas. For instance, Wexford County Council has just eight women out of 34 councillors, which represents 23.5%. Since 1925, only 17 women have been elected to the council.

Barbara Anne Murphy, Chairperson of Wexford Women Together, emphasized that the goal is not to outnumber male colleagues but to achieve gender parity, reflecting the diversity of society. “International research shows that more women in leadership positions result in more inclusive, fair, and caring societies, bringing attention to issues like childcare, community development, and gender-based violence,” she stated.

Dr. Michelle Maher from See Her Elected praised the initiative, noting that although the next local elections aren’t until 2029, it’s crucial to start planning and preparing now. “Understanding how our councils work and the various ways we can contribute to decision-making, from responding to public submissions to getting involved in community initiatives, is key to fostering greater female representation,” she added.

This event is a step forward in empowering more women to pursue leadership roles in local government. Women interested in attending can register online for the event.