Party leaders highlight key issues for women but radical change is needed to achieve equality for women

Published: Sunday, February 14, 2016

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) asked leaders of the main political parties in Ireland to outline what they will do to advance women’s rights if in Government after the general election. Our analysis is based on responses from  Enda Kenny, Joan Burton, Gerry Adams, Micheal Martin and Catherine Murphy.

While all party leaders highlight key issues for women’s equality,  significant change is required to enable women to participate equally and to have the freedom to make the best choices for their lives. There is now an urgent need for the next Government to develop a new National Action Plan on Women’s Equality that would outline an all Government approach to ensuring equality for women.

Orla O’Connor, Director of NWCI said,

“We thank the party leaders for their contributions and welcome that all highlight key issues for women’s equality. Women make up half of the electorate and will be interested to read what the different party leaders are committed to in relation to women’s rights if in Government after the upcoming General Election.”

She continued,

“Issues of childcare, reproductive rights, greater quality public services have now taken centre stage in this election and are on the agendas of all the party leaders. There is, however, a piecemeal approach when it comes to women’s equality and this demonstrates the urgent need for the next Government to develop a new National Action Plan for Women that would provide the basis for an all Government approach to working towards full equality between women and men in this country.”

“In order to address women's equality significant investment is required and there is a real danger that parties which focus on tax cuts will not be in a position to deliver that investment. Tackling violence against women, supporting lone parents into employment, delivering quality health and maternity services and providing a universal pension are dependent on the resources being invested.”

“Political will and commitment to women's equality is growing as women demand it on the doorsteps, however it remains to be seen if the parties can meet this challenge and offer real change for women in the next government.”

The full responses from party leaders that we have received so far are available on http://www.nwci.ie/index.php/learn/blog/

The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) has two spokespeople available for comment throughout the election campaign – our Director, Orla O’Connor, and our Women in Leadership Co-ordinator, Louise Glennon.

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For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, NWCI, Tel. 085 861 9087.

Notes to the Editor

As part of NWCI’s Election Campaign, we have asked all candidates to sign up to our Breakthrough Manifesto for women. To check who has signed up, simply go to http://www.nwci.ie/index.php/election2016/