Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 13 June 2023
Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth
Challenges Facing Women Accessing Education, Leadership and Political Roles: Discussion
Ms Rachel Coyle:
I acknowledge that Women's Collective Ireland is a member of the National Women's Council. We work incredibly closely. We are just in awe of its approach to things and we rely on it a lot.
I will address the point around education. We did talk a little bit earlier about it, but the point that was made about bringing the education to the community is key. To go up a level, the barrier to women's lives generally is poverty. Even when it is not poverty, it is access to quality public services. That is what we need as a society to maximise women's engagement. A fully public model of childcare is essential, as is security in housing, energy security, and access to safe public transport routes. These are all critical for women's access.
WCI's all-island project is excellent. We look forward to the report on it. I draw Deputy Ward's attention to the work our leadership officer, Ms McHugh, has been doing in terms of the All Island Women's Forum. Perhaps she could speak to that.
No comments