A hustings event for candidates in the EU Election for the Midlands-Northwest region is being held by the National Women’s Council and Women for Election today.
This afternoon women candidates running for the European Parliament in Midlands-Northwest will be asked to commit to a feminist manifesto and support the rights and lives of women and girls at EU level.
The candidates who have been invited to speak at this event are Nina Carberry and Maria Walsh (FG), Lisa Chambers (FF), Michelle Gildernew (SF), and Pauline O’Reilly (Greens).
In February 2024 less than 40% of MEPs were women. Ireland fares slightly worse, with currently 8 male MEPs to 5 female MEPs.
NWC director Orla O’Connor said, “Women have had to overcome significant historical disadvantage in securing representation. We know that when women are elected, more progressive and feminist policy follows.”
“Hustings like ours today give women candidates the opportunity to speak to women voters and all feminist voters to let them know what they will do to improve the lives of women and girls across.”
This afternoon’s hustings is intended to provide space for women candidates in Midlands-Northwest to reach women and feminist voters and explain how they will work to improve the lives of women and girls.
The event is taking place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone from midday on Monday, May 13.
The organisers want candidates to commit to parity in democratic representation, champion economic independence and an economic model which supports care, tackle violence against women and fight for bodily autonomy, and make women an integral part of peace building and the green transition.
Flor McCarthy of Women For Election said, “Ireland remains 103rd in the world for gender representation in politics.”
“This year, voters will have a 1-in-5-year chance to deliver a crucial shift in our democracy towards gender parity by consciously prioritising the election of more of the women here today to the European Parliament.”
“This would mean more representative policy decisions and create more opportunities for women to be in key leadership positions.”
