In celebrating International Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March, the Houses of the Oireachtas is hosting a photography exhibition of female Irish MEPs past and present.
This exhibition, comprising 27 portraits, was commissioned from the renowned Estonian photographer, Kaupo Kikkas. Speaking at the exhibition launch, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Catherine Connolly, said:
This work is a testimony to the evolution of attitudes regarding gender equality and to the gradual increase of Irish female representation in the European Parliament. This event should serve as inspiration to other Irish women to stand for election at local, national or European level.
Ms Justice Marie Baker, chair of the Electoral Commission, and Deputy Ivana Bacik, deputy chair of the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus, spoke at the event on topics of representation of women in Irish politics. Female MEPs past and present, Houses of the Oireachtas Members and members of the diplomatic corps attended the event.
A collage of photos of attendees at the launch of a photography exhibition celebrating the participation of Irish women in politics
Ms Fionnuala Croker, acting heading of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, which commissioned the exhibition, spoke at the event about the genesis of the project and the forthcoming European elections, saying:
This exhibition recognises all women who have represented the citizens of Ireland in the European Parliament from the very first European elections in 1979 to the present, their individual achievements as MEPs, but also their collective contribution to a more inclusive and empowered society.