by Louise Doyle

HOME and work pressures, as well as the lack of affordable childcare have emerged as concerns for women across Donegal, according to report findings.

The findings from the county-wide needs assessment have been released by Women’s Collective Ireland Donegal (WCI).

Recent findings from a new survey by WCI Donegal provides important insight into the lives of women living in Donegal and highlights the diverse needs of women in rural Ireland. The survey gathered responses from 572 women aged 18 and above, living throughout Donegal, sharing with WCI Donegal their life experiences and views on a number of issues.

“We are very grateful to all the women who took the time to share,” said Danielle Bonner, Project Coordinator at WCI Donegal.

“The survey report focuses on what women told us about their lives, their needs and interests, what’s missing in their communities, how they would like to take part in local activities, and their views on gender equality.”

Women who took part in the survey spoke openly about mental health, pressure at home and work, lack of affordable childcare, and gaps in community opportunities for women in the county. More than half (52 per cent) said they experience anxiety. Many also reported loneliness, low mood and feeling overwhelmed, especially those in their 30s and 40s, many of whom are juggling work and caring responsibilities.

SOMEWHERE SAFE

A common theme among the respondents was the need for a welcoming, women-only space in their community where they could drop in for a chat, a class or a cuppa, somewhere safe, informal and friendly to connect, learn or simply take a break. Others expressed a need for better access to local workshops, creative programmes, and everyday practical support.

While most respondents didn’t know of a Women’s Group in their area, nearly three-quarters said they’d like to join one. Many women also said that gender inequality continues to impact their lives, from taking on more caring responsibilities at home while also working, to facing discrimination at work and feeling unsafe in public spaces.

“We heard again and again that women want to be active and connected to their local communities,” Danielle added. Women’s responses also suggest that there are gaps in current community engagement and highlight there is a need to utilize and better connect women to the opportunities that already exist in the community. “The interest is there, the challenge now is to make it visible, accessible, and shaped by women themselves.”

The survey findings will help shape WCI Donegal’s work in 2025 and beyond, ensuring that their work is grounded in the lived realities of women in Donegal. The experiences and information shared by women in the survey also provides local community organisations and decision-making bodies in Donegal with valuable insight and data to help inform their work, allowing them to better support women to engage and participate in the community, support their well-being and empowerment.