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:
That was very well put. I know the Deputy had to step out for a while. Funding for the women’s, community and voluntary sectors was cut during austerity and has never been properly brought back. I am sure my fellow witnesses could talk about that better than I can. That is the space where women cut their teeth, capacity-build, build alliances and learn how to advocate and campaign. What does it say to women when they are not compensated for the time they put in? There is a constant reliance on women’s goodwill and volunteering when they have financial struggles, responsibilities and pressures in their own lives. These issues tend to be seen as niche. Women’s rights are human rights. I am sure Deputy Ward would not argue with that. Women's and girl’s lives and the activities we carry out matter. We are not a minority. The women’s, community and voluntary sector has been at the coalface of supporting the most vulnerable people in our society. If that is removed, what are we left with? I wanted to say that because much hard work goes on behind the scenes which is never properly compensated.
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