A series of training programmes aimed at encouraging more women in Donegal to get into politics has been announced.
Out of the county’s 37 elected members just four are female – Rena Donaghey, Niamh Kennedy, Marie Therese Gallagher and Noreen McGarvey.
Not for profit organisation ‘Women for Election’ is hoping to even up the imbalance through its new training calendar.
It wants to attract and support more women to enter and succeed in local politics in advance of the next local elections in 2024.
Women For Election’s goal is to encourage women in Ireland to run for politics by providing training and mentoring support while also advocating for systemic change.
Women for Election Chief Executive Catríona Gleeson said the aim was a balanced representation of a diversity of women and men in Irish politics.
“While May 2024 may seem far away for many of us, for anyone considering running for local elections now is the time to get involved,” Ms Gleeson said.
“We know that women are so involved across community groups and leadership roles in Donegal yet the number of women involved at decision-making tables doesn’t reflect that.
“Nationally women make up only 26 per-cent of councillors and in Donegal it stands at an even lower 11 per-cent. It is critical that women’s voices are represented at all levels of decision making. With the local elections approaching in 2024 now is the ideal time to get involved in politics and put your name forward to represent your community.”
The training categories include Introduction to Politics which informs participants about the structures of politics, the INSPIRE Campaign School which covers confidence, communications and campaigning and the EQUIP Campaign Programme, an intensive training for women who are getting ready to run for election or manage another women’s campaign.
“Most training courses are free and for any training with a cost attached, there are bursaries and concessionary rates available as Women for Election don’t want cost to be a barrier to accessing these trainings,” Ms Gleeson added. To get involved log on to womenforelection.ie/training-programmes for the full calendar.
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