Women for Election calls for 40% women in Cabinet

At a photocall this morning at Government Buildings, Women for Election, along with young women Politics and Science students from Loretto Convent in Bray, called for the Government negotiating parties to commit to a gender-balanced Cabinet as they build the next Government.

“Women make up half the population, yet their voices and lived experience are absent from essential political and Government decision-making roles, especially in Cabinet,” said Brian Sheehan, CEO of Women for Election.

“There has never been more than four women at any one time in the 15-member Cabinet in the history of the State.

“Women for Election are calling on political parties involved in Government formation talks – in particular Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality by agreeing to appoint a minimum of 40% women to the Cabinet, a minimum of seven government Ministers.”

Just 22 women have ever served in Cabinet since the foundation of the State, while 213 men have served in the same period.

There has never been more than four women in the 15-member Cabinet at any one time.

The first was Constance Markievicz in 1919, the second was Máire Geoghegan-Quinn 60 years later in 1979.

“Global research demonstrates that gender-diverse leadership improves decision-making, strengthens governance outcomes and enhances trust in politics,” Sheehan continued.

“Women for Election urges the Parties making up the next Government to commit to a gender-balanced Cabinet as a tangible step toward breaking down the systemic barriers that hinder women’s political advancement.

“Leadership in Government that reflects our society’s diversity is not just an ideal—it’s a necessity for an effective democracy.

“The young women with us today, and those like them, should be able to see the talented, capable women in the new Dáil having equal access to power and decision-making.

“When women hold leadership roles, they demonstrate to girls and young women that their aspirations are valid, their voices matter, and their potential is limitless.

“Yet, the current underrepresentation of women in Cabinet reinforces barriers to political participation and limits opportunities for young women to see themselves as future leaders.

“The opportunity to eliminate a key barrier lies in the hands of those forming the next Government”, concluded Sheehan.