Female Councillors share their unique experiences in new commemoration video

Dublin City Council’s Women’s Committee has announced the launch of a new video series highlighting what it’s like to be a female Councillor in Ireland today.

The launch is taking place on the 29th anniversary of the death of Kathleen Clarke, the first female Lord Mayor of Dublin.

The ‘Women In Politics Video Series’ features 15 Councillors from Dublin City Council’s Women’s Committee who discuss their roles, the reasons they entered politics, the challenges and changes they have witnessed over the years and why they believe more women should become involved in politics.

The first video in the series features the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Alison Gilliland, who is only the 10th female to hold the role in more than 350 years.

“It is essential that we encourage more women into politics so we have balanced representation and leadership,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Women contribute so much to their communities but we don’t see them represented in a similar proportion around the decision making table where policy for local communities is decided.

“This series of videos seeks to encourage more women to get politically involved by having some of Dublin City Council’s female Councillors talk openly and honestly about their political roles.”

A new video will be released each day for the next two weeks.

“We want to pull the curtain back on the life of a woman politician in Ireland. We hope the videos provide an insight into how hugely rewarding this work is and on what we love about representing our local communities.

“Hopefully they will demystify the political realm and encourage more women to join us”, said Cllr Darcy Lonergan, Chair of the Women’s Committee.

The Women’s Committee of Dublin City Council was established in November 2020 with the aim of strengthening women’s cross party co-operation, working together to influence policies and decisions.

Since then they have organised specialist training and started a mentoring program and penned a letter to Ministers seeking maternity benefits for councillors.

Currently they are working together on a ‘Women Safety project’ which will see  them carry out safety audits throughout the city using the data to advocate for necessary changes to make the city feel safer.

The first video in the series can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZQ0pmORihh4