Supports have improved for women in politics but there is more to do
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has worked to increase supports for female elected representatives, including securing increased remuneration and creating a pathway for maternity leave. The AILG has launched a Women's Regional Caucus Network to provide a platform for female councillors to design a new addition to local government that works for them.
Women hold just 26% of county council seats in Ireland, with stark underrepresentation in many counties. The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has actively worked to address the barriers and increase supports to encourage women to stay in local politics. The AILG has secured increased remuneration, created a pathway for maternity leave, and supported the introduction of hybrid meetings. A Women's Regional Caucus Network has been launched, building on a successful pilot project between the AILG and SHE. The network is open to the 255 elected female councillors across Ireland and aims to provide a platform for them to design a new addition to local government. The decision to pilot the regional caucus was informed by research highlighting the need for structured support, peer networks, and safe spaces for women councillors.
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