NWCI calls for a transformation of decision making structures in Ireland

Published: Wednesday, August 06, 2014

National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) has today welcomed the Mid Term review of The National Women’s Strategy ‘Towards Gender Parity in Decision-Making in Ireland’, which confirms that women are under-represented across major areas in Irish life including the civil service, the diplomatic corps, the judiciary, and state and corporate boards, as well as making important recommendations toward achieving gender equality.

Louise Glennon, Women in Politics and Decision Making Officer at NWCI said,
“It is important that this report highlights the very real barriers and obstacles to women’s advancement in key decision making positions, including childcare, and attitudes and perceptions. The recommendations made in the report echo the recommendations that NWCI have been calling for many years, and last March in ‘A Parliament of all Talents; building a women friendly Oireachtas’, which received widespread, cross party support.”

Louise Glennon continued, “Crucial recommendations include the provision of maternity leave for at least 18 weeks, during which a guaranteed vote-pairing arrangement with opposing parties would be provided and a review of the sitting times of the Dáil and Seanad. With regards to women on boards, NWCI support the finding that a Talent Bank of women suitable for consideration for appointment to State Boards be developed and maintained, and consider the target of 40 per cent for the representation of women on State Boards to be a crucial. We particularly welcome the recognition that gender imbalance is even more obvious on finance and public expenditure boards, and the requirement of each Government Department to report on progress every six months. These reports will be critical to progress and accountability. ”

Louise Glennon concluded, “Ireland has seen virtually no progression in the rates of women in politics, and although we have one of the most educated woman population in Europe, this is not reflected in senior decision making positions. We would urge the government to act on the findings of the report without delay.”

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For more information, please contact Sarah Clarkin, Communications Officer, National Women’s Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104 or Louise Glennon on 085 858 5209.