International Congress of Parliamentary Women’s Caucuses to be held in Dublin

The Oireachtas Women’s Caucus was established in 2017 and is made up of past and present female Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Caucus aims to bring awareness to the issue of women's representation and the range of concerns facing women in politics, nationally and locally. It is chaired by Catherine Martin TD and it works closely with the Ceann Comhairle’s Office to discuss and address issues facing women in society and women’s representation in politics.
This event will see female parliamentarians from over 40 countries – including the UK, Australia, the USA and Malawi - gather in Dublin Castle.

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O’Fearghail, will address delegates during the two-day event.

Other notable speakers include the Right Honourable Harriet Harman QC MP, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy and Professor Mary Beard.

Chair of the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus, Catherine Martin TD, said today, “We are delighted to welcome so many impressive women to Dublin to discuss how we can support women’s participation in politics around the world and develop and advocate for legislation, policy and other initiatives that address issues affecting women. This is a truly international event, with representatives from 47 countries attending, which offers a unique opportunity to shine a light on the issues facing women throughout the world. 2018 has seen Ireland and the UK celebrate 100 years since partial suffrage was won; this event will allow us to reflect on how far we as a gender have come, but also on how much is yet to be achieved in the ongoing fight for equality across the globe.”

“Our speakers include Harriet Harman QC, Professor Mary Beard and Ms Justice Mary Laffoy. Our collective aim in holding this event is to highlight and progress women’s rights across all levels of society and across the world. We are honoured that President Michael D. Higgins and An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, will address the Congress – itself an indication of the significance of this gathering and of women’s interests in this, the year in which Ireland celebrates 100 years since women won the right to vote.”

“Earlier this year, a portrait was unveiled of all 53 female members of the Dáil and Seanad. On Sunday night, HerStory will illuminate the Dublin Castle Clock Tower with an image of that portrait, as well as with images of other prominent women. This will be a powerful representation of the positive change we have seen in the increased number of women in parliament, but much more needs to be done if we are to increase the numbers of women in politics, at a community as well as a national level.”

Media are invited to request accreditation to attend.

Sunday: Accredited journalists can attend St Patrick’s Hall from 7 -7.30pm to hear the pre-dinner speeches of the Ceann Comhairle, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and Catherine Martin TD. Photographs will be available from Maxwell Photography (contact details below).

Monday: Accredited journalists can attend the conference in the Hibernia Centre, Dublin Castle from 9am – 6pm.

• Official photographs will be available from Maxwell Photography: office@maxwellphotography.ie / +353 1 8308072.
• For broadcast footage, please contact broadcast@oireachtas.ie +353 1 618 3789.