Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WIPL Steering Committee with Mayors of Derry and Donegal who opened the conference.
Conversation on womens leadership chaired by Margaret E Ward with Bernadette McAliskey, Fiona Mackay and Ailbhe Smith
With more WIPL type programmes, the qualities women bring to leadership will come to be viewed as more mainstream, a welcome development to the situation heretofore, where women who succeeded were those that emulated traditional masculine qualities Dr. Fiona Mackay, University of Edinburgh
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Panel discussion: Kathleen Lynch TD, Cllr. Ellen Morton, Martina Anderson MEP and Anne McAteer, HSE
Workshop discussions
Im not a feminist but- delegates highlighted that feminism is often misunderstood, is broad ranging and has different meanings depending on your particular life stage, life choices, experience and world view. Gender quotas in Irish politics- the recently enacted legislation in the Republic was regarded as a good starting point. A similar parity law in France was discussed; however, it was emphasized that legislation does not automatically lead to change. Nobody ever asked me...! Making the leap into party politics elected representatives discussed the personal challenges of politics, the need for family friendly work practices and the importance of having support systems in place. Campaigning and influencing participants heard of successful campaigns such as the Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Support Group and the Empty Purse campaign by the Womens Resource & Development Agency.
Key Recommendations
The energy and enthusiasm of participants at the conference clearly demonstrated the importance of providing spaces and opportunities for women to debate and strategise on what is required to address the under-representation of women in public life. Some key recommendations included: We need a more transparent process in public appointments in Northern Ireland and a formal appointments system in the Republic of Ireland. We need more emphasis on quotas in politics in Northern Ireland; if you legislate, the barriers will fall. We need men need to take a step back. We dont always need training we need opportunities; its a demand problem, not a supply problem. We need mentoring and support systems. Be prepared, utilise all your contacts, believe in yourself, learn the rules, be inclusive, consider cost and embrace your uniqueness! (May Blood, Closing Comments)
For a copy of the full conference report and video visit: www.fwin.org.uk www.derrycity.gov.uk/woman www.donegalcdb.ie
Donegal Co Council
Second Chance Education Foyle Womens Project for Women Information Network
The views and opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission or the Special EU Programmes Body.