Longford County Council highlights International Women’s Day with ‘gender flipped-Council meeting’

Longford County Council highlights International Women’s Day with ‘gender flipped-Council meeting’
Longford County Council meeting comprised of 16 women and two men

Press Release
6 February 2023

Longford County Council highlights International Women’s Day with a reversal of the existing gender make-up for an inverted Council meeting comprised of 16 women and 2 men. It is part of the WoMeN’s (Western Midlands and Northern) Regional Caucus, drawing attention to the imbalance in the composition of Councils and to raise awareness of the role of women in local government.

One of a number of such meetings taking place in the region, Longford County Council’s meeting had a female majority. Longford County Council councillors Cllr Peggy Nolan and Cllr Uruemu Adejnmi were joined by Longford women from across the political, community and business landscape.

Attendees included Longford Chamber of Commerce Chair Fiona Fenlon, Longford Older Persons Council Chair Kitty Hughes, Longford PPN Secretariat Francesca Pawelczyk, and Emmy-nominated broadcast journalist Shaunagh Connaire.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern welcomed all to the meeting, with an introduction by Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi. The Community Recognition Fund 2023 and a N4 Mullingar to Rooskey Bypass Update were discussed. There was a closing statement by Cllr Peggy Nolan.

The event is in association with the WoMeN’s (Western Midlands and Northern) Regional Caucus. The objective of the event is to raises awareness of the work and role of women in local government and to draw attention to the imbalance in the composition of councils.

Speaking before the meeting Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Turlough McGovern said, “International Women's Day provides us a great opportunity to encourage more women into politics. Today’s meeting highlights the need to have more women’s voices within local government. All attendees here today are instrumental in bettering County Longford and their participation within the Council Chamber is hugely valuable. I hope more women can see themselves in local government, encouraged by such initiatives.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “The Council proudly supports this initiative for International Women’s Day. The day focuses everyone’s mind on how we can be more gender inclusive. Longford County Council is proud to say its management team is evenly split with 50 percent of our Director of Services being women. However, we recognise the need for more women in the Council Chamber and having their say in local government.”

Speaking at the event Cllr Uruemu Adejnmi said, “By flipping the gender composition in Longford County Council Chamber today, we are raising awareness and calling on our allies to take action to drive gender parity on our Councils and ensure balanced decision-making in our Local Government. Collective activism and the promotion of greater diversity within local government, particularly in terms of greater participation and support for women and minority groups, drive positive change in society.”

Closing the event, Cllr Peggy Nolan thanks all in attendance and hoped for a future with more female representation. “I would like to sincerely thank all of the women who are in attendance at this special meeting of Longford County Council. Each and every one of the women here today all have something special that they offer to County Longford. I sincerely hope to see more women serving on this Council in the future because of their passion and ability, and all that they can offer to the people of County Longford.”

For further information, check out Longfordcoco.ie or follow Longford County Council on social media.

ENDS
All media queries should be directed to the Longford County Council Communications Officer via mediaenquiries@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 4217.