The National Women's Council has launched their Family-Friendly toolkit. This is a resource for local authorities to assist women and those with caring responsibilities to enter local government and providing support for those already there.
The Family-Friendly Toolkit includes a 10-step plan for embedding family-friendly practices in local government, including the development of parental supports such as maternity leave, childcare and good hybrid working practices which are vital for those with caring responsibilities.
Monaghan native Rachel Coyle is the National Women's Council Head of Campaigns.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Rachel revealed that despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in local government, making up just 25% of all councillors nationwide. She believes it's important to make local politics as attractive to those with caring responsibilities as possible.
"There is still much work to be done to ensure that all women have the support they need to participate in local government," explained Rachel.
"As it stands, women continue to be forced to choose between their career in public office and their family commitments. This toolkit is intended to help drive change, so that it becomes normal to see women with young families in decision-making spaces. Lack of maternity leave and affordable childcare are preventing women from entering into and staying in politics.
"The Family-Friendly Toolkit has been developed with input from local authorities, women in politics, and experts in the field of gender equality. It is designed to be a practical resource that can be used by local authorities of all sizes and in all parts of the country."
