‘We need women in politics’

It is vitally important this International Women’s Day that we not only celebrate women and girls but also continue the fight for equality. I want to particularly talk about ‘equality of opportunity’.

Research shows that women overwhelmingly bear the disproportionate burden of care in families. This affects all aspects of their lives and can act as a barrier to career and the opportunity to pursue their interests. Where we particularly see this play out is in the political arena. Only 26% of county councillors in Ireland are women!

We need more women in politics, particularly at grassroot levels but an NWCI study found that “juggling care responsibilities and paid employment with their political work” acts as a barrier to women entering politics. I want to see more women joining Sinn Féin at local level, getting involved in campaigns and informing debate so that we can change this.

I hear from amazing women every day who are fighting for better childcare, better services for children with special needs, better supports for elderly relatives and a host of other issues. These are precisely the voices that need to be heard. I am inviting any women in Cavan who have ever wanted to get involved in politics to contact me, lets join together to fight for a better fairer society for us and our families.