Low pay, care responsibilities and sex abuse were factors in whether or not women sought re-election in the Republic’s recent local government elections.
The “deterrents” were identified in the National Women’s Council commissioned report: Women Beyond the Dáil: Access, Representation, and Retention in Irish Local Government.
Authors Pauline Cullen and Claire McGing interviewed sitting women councillors about their reasons for choosing whether or not to seek re-election on June 7.
The report found “women and minoritised people are grossly under-represented in local politics” - only 8% in Donegal.
It described women’s representation overall at local level as “stagnant at 26%”.
Beyond the Dáil recommended the introduction of gender quotas and co-option as well as the broadening of party selection processes and financial support for women.
It also suggested the returning of election expenses if a candidate met a percentage of the quota.
Alan Dillon, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning said he was encouraged to see an increase in the number of women elected from 2019.
He added: “However, the experiences and perspectives of sitting women councillors are crucial to understanding and addressing the barriers which affect women’s participation in local government.”
Report co-author Claire McGing said: “One of the main reasons that women do not stay in politics is the online and offline abuse they face and the safety concerns this raises.”
Her colleague Pauline Cullen said: “Women councillors show real resilience and perseverance. Many women councillors found women’s caucuses to be supportive.”
