More women make better politics highlights Director of UN Women Michelle Bachelet

Published: Wednesday, February 20, 2013

On her visit to Dublin, Michelle Bachelet, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women today highlighted the need to promote a greater role for women in political decision making. Her remarks come on the occasion of a meeting with civil society groups and politicians hosted by the National Women's Council of Ireland later today.

Ms Bachelet said,

"We cannot talk about human rights, equality, representation and inclusion and continue to exclude entire sections of the population. Research shows that the presence of women in political institutions qualitatively changes politics. When women and men lead together, decisions better reflect and respond to the diverse needs of society".

Orla O'Connor, Director of the National Women's Council of Ireland said,

'In her role as Executive Director of UN Women, Michelle Bachelet has been vital in promoting a greater role for women in political decision making across the world. This is a very critical time for women's rights in Ireland and the absence of women in politics and senior decision making in Irish society has left a very detrimental legacy here. We are delighted to host this meeting with Ms Bachelet today.'

The meeting will be chaired by Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State for Disability, Equality, Mental Health and Older People.

Other speakers include Orla O'Connor, Director of the National Women's Council of Ireland and Edel Clancy, 50/50 Group.

What: Meeting with Michelle Bachelet, Director of UN Women on Women in Political Decision Making

When: Thursday, 21 February 2013, 1 – 2:30 pm

Where: National Women's Council of Ireland, 4th floor, 2/3 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1

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For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Communications Officer, National Women's Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104