Women who Lead: Amplifying and Accelerating Women’s Interests

Published: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Informed by insights into substantative representation of women, this report examines evidence in Ireland for the relationship between women’s political presence as leaders and policies that advance gender equality. It concludes that despite the over representation of men in politics in Ireland, women leaders in politics, civil service and civil society have allied to advance gender equality policies. Drawing from research on women leaders and policy change this report identified two cases studies. 1. Repeal of the Eight Amendment 2. Ratification of the Istanbul Treaty and establishment of establishment of the state DSGBV agency Cuan that show where and how women leaders set agendas, frame narratives, collaborate, and network to deliver substantive representation for women. This report has been co-funded by the European Union with the support of the European Women's Lobby (EWL).

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