Women being encouraged to get into politics
A new training programme has been launched to help attract more women to get into politics.
It comes ahead of the next local elections in 2024 and has been organised by Women for Election.
17 women are currently elected to Cork County Council out of 55 while 6 women are elected to the city council out of 31 councillors. The autumn and winter training and events calendar has a comprehensive offering online and in person across Ireland.
Caitríona Gleeson, CEO of Women for Election said: “While May 2024 may seem far away for many of us, for anyone considering running for local elections, now is the time to get involved. Our trainings are aimed for every woman, whether they want to find out more about politics, support a woman to run, explore what it means to run, or re-run for election, we have something for everybody.”
She continued: “We know that women are so involved across community groups and leadership roles in Cork, yet the number of women involved at decision making tables doesn’t reflect that. Nationally, women make up only 26% of councillors and in Cork it’s at a low 19% in the city and 31% in the county. It is critical that women’s voices are represented at all levels of decision making. With the local elections approaching in 2024, now is the ideal time to get involved in politics and put your name forward to represent your community. Women for Election is here to support that journey.”
The training includes an introduction to politics which informs participants about the structures of politics, the inspire campaign school which covers confidence, communications and campaigning.
It also includes intensive training for women who are getting ready to run for election or manage another women’s campaign, along with many other workshops and events.
The trainings are bespoke to help address some of the barriers to women accessing politics and delivered by highly experienced trainers including Orlaith Carmody, Margaret E Ward, Pat Montague and Dermot Ryan.
Most trainings are offered for free and for any training with a cost attached, there are bursaries and concessionary rates available as Women for Election don’t want cost to be a barrier to accessing these trainings.
The calendar is available at womenforelection.ie/training-programmes.
Orlaith Carmody is a businesswoman, author and former news reporter and co-founder of Gavin Duffy and Associates along with her husband and business partner, Dragon’s Den investor Gavin Duffy.
Margaret E Ward is a well known entrepreneur, journalist and broadcaster. She has worked in The Irish Times, Sunday Times and as a presenter on Newstalk radio. She’s currently CEO of Clear Ink and Broadly Speaking.
Pat Montague heads up Montague Communications and is one of the leading consultants working with the not-for-profit sector over the past 30 years who has also provided communications advice to a number of former government ministers.
Dermot Ryan has over 25 years of experience working as a campaigner and advisor. Dermot returned to Ireland in 2017 after 7 years in Australia, where he served as Head of External Affairs Earlier with Amnesty International and as Chief of Staff at the Transport Workers’ Union.