Minister Catherine Martin T.D. The Green Party
“I attended a Women for Election training day before the Local Elections in 2014 and found it incredibly helpful and informative. It definitely played a vital part in my successful Local Election campaign.
Later that year I spoke as one of their panelists at a Year in Review discussion and had the fortune of meeting a wonderful lady afterwards who offered to be my General Election Campaign Manager. The work Women For Election do in inspiring women to run for election and introducing them to many people who can advise, encourage and support them on the campaign trail is invaluable.”
Minister of State. Josepha Madigan TD- Fine Gael
“Women For Election plays a vital role in promoting female participation in politics and giving female candidates the skills they need in terms of campaigning, public speaking, fundraising, and organising. I experienced this first hand through my own involvement with Women For Election and it has helped me greatly on my political journey to date.
A further benefit provided by Women For Election is a vital network of friends and contacts where everyone can all learn from each other’s experiences, share best practice, exchange ideas, find mutual support and solidarity. Networks such as these are vital if we want to see greater gender balance in political life in Ireland.”
Rose Conway-Walsh T.D., Mayo Sinn Fein
“The INSPIRE Programme provided me with an opportunity to plan for the next election and to examine my effectiveness as a politician. I didn’t know what to expect but it was one of the most worthwhile days I spent for a long time.
The speakers were excellent and all came from different angles which all fitted together to take a holistic look at where I was at and what I needed to do. It was great to meet the other women and learn from their experiences.
Niamh and Michelle were truly wonderful, the day was so well organized and the follow up was really useful. This was the first time in politics where someone asked me “What do you need” – I was really taken aback because it’s usually doing for other people. Thank you. It was good fun too!”
Cllr. Deirdre Ní Fhloinn - The Green Party
“The WfE training was invaluable. We had a session on public speaking and dealing with nerves with practical techniques that really work! The networking aspect was also great – I met one person who subsequently worked on my campaign, and another candidate who’s now a colleague on DLRCC.”
Samantha Long, Fine Gael member, Dublin
“As a woman with political interests and aspirations but no traditional connections, my question was “What do I do next?” Women for Election took that question, and are helping me answer it in so many ways. I’m on a path now, supported all the way.”
Cllr Maire Sherlock - The Labour Party
“Women for Election has played a really instrumental role in the Irish political system in highlighting the need for more women in politics.
It’s training is designed to inspire and encourage, but has a great practical focus to it. After all, a well run campaign gets the basics right! Getting #MoreWomen elected requires leadership by those already elected- encouraging and championing women interested in making a difference.”
Erin McGreehan - Fianna Fail
“I did not know what to expect when I went for the day-long training course. I just knew that if there was something that would make me think about the way I go about my election campaign a little differently or more effectively; it was worth taking off a day’s canvassing.
To hear from accomplished women give their expertise to help us re-evaluate and make us applaud ourselves was so helpful. Actually it was a true cathartic experience for me personally. Made me believe in myself, believe in my ability, believe that if not me who would do it.
On reflection after the election, I came to the bizarre realisation that l am the first woman I have ever voted for in a local election. The first woman my 75 year old mother ever has voted for in a local election. I am so proud to have been the first woman ever elected from my area. First woman to actually run for office as well.”
Maria Walsh MEP - Fine Gael
“Sitting at a Women for Election training event, I was scratching my head thinking is this world for me. I have received more support and mentoring from Women for Election than I could ever reciprocate in talking about.”
Colette Finn - The Green Party
“I have attended a few WfE workshops. They are great because they connect you with other women who are putting themselves forward as candidates. They give you tips on how to manage a campaign, what works best and what is a time waster. They organise for speakers who have been there and done that and this gives you confidence that maybe you could succeed as well.”
Joan Geraghty, Mayo, Fianna Fail
“For me, Women for Election is much more important than training for politics. It is allowing each of us participants to say out loud to one another why we are interested in becoming a politician; it is giving us a safe and confidential platform from which to reveal why we dare think such a thought and then utter it as a suggestion; it is providing access to a supportive network of like-minded women that we can turn to and learn from at all times.
Once out in the open, our political ambition is so readily accepted by fellow participants, added to with votes of encouragement and elaborated on through swopped insights and shared personal experiences, this then turns it into a possibility, allowing concrete plans to be made. Ultimately, we get to believe we may not only achieve our goal, but start visualising ourselves working in our desired role – whether as a councillor, government TD or even a Minister – Why hold back!”
Fiona McCaffrey Jones, Monaghan, Fine Gael
“I have always been interested in politics and after attending Women for Election’s INSPIRE event I increased my practical knowledge, gained a support network and achieved clarity with regards to what I want to achieve in the world of politics. Women for Election has exceeded all of my expectations”
Cllr Darcy Lonergan, Dublin, The Green Party
“As a young woman entering the political field I found the one day course to be extremely inspirational. Not only did the day provide me with the confidence I needed to enter the political field but it also gave me all the tools and knowledge I would need in order to succeed.
The day itself offered a forum to network with other women with similar interests. The best attribute of ‘Women for Election’ is that they genuinely wanted you to succeed and will guide and assist you in any way they can. The day left me with the feeling that being a politician could be a reality not just a dream.”
Sinead Kane, Cork, Fine Gael
“What I liked about the inspire programme is the; Energy, Excitement and Connectivity that exuded from the room. WFE vision is creating and will continue to create positive change in Ireland. Michelle and Niamh are leading ambassadors in helping women break down the barriers to enter politics.”
We are a 100% Non-Partisan organisation and have trained over 3,000 women since 2012.
Since 2012 women across Ireland have participated in our INSPIRE Campaign schools. This was the start or continuation of a journey for many of today’s local councillors, TDs, Senators and MEPs.
Women for Election Master Classes deliver practical sessions that empower you with a “toolbox” that will aid and support you on your political journey.
Our online webinar series of inspiring conversations with leading Irish and International politicians in conversation with acclaimed Irish journalists reveals insights to political life.
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Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House,
Coleraine Street, Dublin 7 D07 E8XF
Tel: 01 672 8050
