Women for Election trains and supports women in Ireland to run for politics.
Women for Election is a not-for-profit organisation that encourages and supports women in Ireland to run for politics. We’re non-partisan, meaning we don’t take sides with specific parties or beliefs. We want to see women from all walks of life and political philosophies to think about running for politics.
More balance women and men in politics is a good thing. Politicians should represent the population of Ireland. Having more women active in politics means a fairer, more inclusive and dynamic society.
At the moment, Ireland has successful gender quotas in place to guarantee parties run 30% female candidates in general elections. This will rise to 40% in 2023.
However, studies show that achieving gender balance in politics needs a combination of measures such as quotas and additional supports such as training programmes and women’s political networks. That’s where we come in.
Women for Election trains, mentors and supports women across Ireland to consider politics as a career. We run full-day training sessions called INSPIRE where political experts and female representatives take women through the skills they need to succeed. We also run focused masterclasses on topics such as campaigning and canvassing. Learn more about our upcoming sessions here.
Women for Election believes Ireland can achieve 50% female representation in Irish politics.
Our Impact
Since 2012 Women for Election has trained more than 1000 women to run for election
1000— We have trained more than 1000 women from all around Ireland and 18 EU member states | 196— women were elected in 2014, 50% were trained by Women for Election | 30%— Increase in the number of women who ran in their local elections compared to in 2009 and a 21% increase in the number of women elected | 30%— In the 2016 general election 30% of the candidates were female - a 100% increase compared to 2011. | 35— The general election in February 2016 was an important step towards achieving gender equality in Dáil Éireann. 35 women were elected as members of the 32nd Dáil. |
19— 16 of these were incumbents, and 19 were first time victors | 25— This is a significant increase on the 2011 General Election when just 25 women were elected to the 31st Dáil. | 40%— Almost 40% of 2016's elected TDs took part in Women for Election training. | 22%— Women now make up 22% of the current Dáil. |
Who we are
Ciairín de Buis
CEO
Ciairín de Buis is CEO of Women for Election, a not-for-profit, non-partisan organisation whose mission is to inspire, support and equip women to succeed in politics.
Prior to joining Women for Election, Ciairín worked campaigning in early years, most notably as CEO of Start Strong. She is a board member of Sonas and was previously a member of the Parole Board.
Contact: Ciairín@womenforelection.ie
Board
The Board of Women for Election is responsible for setting the broad strategy and policies for the organisation, and has oversight responsibility for the activities of the organisation as well as its governance.
Board members are appointed in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Board appointments are for a period of not more than three years, and board members are eligible for re-appointment.
In 2019, the Board members are: Alison Cowzer (Chair), Clare Duignan, Niamh Gallagher, Daire Keogh, Caroline Kirrane, Deirdre Mortell, Lynn Ruane and Susan Shannon. The Company Secretary is Margaret Kavanagh. Ciairín de Buis, our CEO, attends board meetings.
The Board of Directors and Company Secretary give their time on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration.
Funding
Women for Election is funded through a mix of philanthropic grants, private donations and revenue generated through our training programmes.
Long-term, sustained funding is essential for Women for Election to deliver on our commitment to political transformation and successfully inspire women to consider politics as a career option.
We are always seeking partners for our work: both funders and organisations similar to ours, in Ireland or internationally, that may be interested in undertaking collaborative projects.
Our core funders have included:
We have received additional, smaller grants from the following organisations:
Governance
The Board of Women for Election is responsible for setting the broad strategy and policies for the organisation, and has oversight responsibility for the activities of the organisation as well as its governance.
Board members are appointed in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Board appointments are for a period of not more than three years, and board members are eligible for re-appointment.
In 2018, the Board members are: Alison Cowzer (Chair), Clare Duignan, Niamh Gallagher, Daire Keogh, Caroline Kirrane, Deirdre Mortell, Lynn Ruane and Susan Shannon. The Company Secretary is Margaret Kavanagh. Ciairín de Buis, our CEO, attends board meetings.
The Board of Directors and Company Secretary give their time on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration.