Equal Political Representation by 2020
50% of Ireland’s population is female. Yet, only 15% of the Dail is. This places Ireland 79th (out of 134 countries) on a world classification list compiled by the Interparliamentary Union*
| Our Vision of Change |
Gender parity in Irish politics by the year 2020. Quite simply, we want fifty-fifty by 2020.
Who we are
• 5050 is a single issue national advocacy group dedicated to achieving equal representation in Irish politics.
• 5050 is a fully inclusive organisation and politically non-aligned.
• 5050 welcomes both men and women as members.
• 5050 actively encourages the formation of affiliate groups at community level.
• 5050 endorses both male and female candidates who support special temporary measures to redress the over-representation of men in the Irish Politics.
• 5050 believes that the under-representation of women in Irish politics is an affront to the democratic ideals of justice and equality.
What we do
1. Lobby for the implementation of measures to redress the gender imbalance in Irish politics. For example:-
a. The implementation of candidate selection gender quotas at the next general election to increase the number of women on the ballot paper;
b. Support the removal of the barriers to female representation (the Five C’s) as included in the Recommendations of the 2009 Oireachtas Sub-Committee on Women in Politics.
c. The full implementation of the UN’s Convention on the Elimination of all kinds of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in Ireland.
2. Establish an active ‘grassroots’ movement to promote voter choice on the ballot paper and agitate for change.
3. Initiate a public campaign highlighting the under-representation of women in Irish politics, and debate the consequences of this under-representation for Irish society.
* This rank order was correct at time of writing (updated April 2014). For up-to-date information please see http://www.ipu.org/wmn-e/classif.htm
For more information, contact us by email at:-
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for sending on Edel’s email address.Kev.
Please email me the email address of a Cork officer of 50/50.Thanks
“About the 5050 Group | 5050 Group” ended up being a terrific article and
thus I personally was in fact quite happy to come across the blog post.
Thanks,Jasmine
The Dublin contact can be got at the5050group@gmail.com
Hi,
Can you please provide me the email address for your dublin correspondent? Thanks
some times its a pain in the ass to read what blog owners wrote but this web site is really user friendly ! .
Hi Sarah,
I am involved in Cork. If you have not yet received a response you can email me and I will let you know about the next meeting. My email address is ulordan@gmail.com
Kind Regards,
Úna Lordan
Hi! I am living in Cork and I would really like to get involved in the work of this group. Please let me know if there are any upcoming meetings/conferences. Kind regards, Sarah
I have heard about the 5050 Group and I would love to become a member. I reside in Cork and would be most interested to hear from you and get involved with the 5050 Group.
Pasqualine Cosgrave
As a former female TD and former Minister for Equality I want to offer my support to your Group. Currently I am speaking to many women’s groups around the country and I would be happy to support you in any way I can.
Just before we left Government I was in the process of seeking Cabinet support for Gender quotas etc., etc., I am very pleased that this is now becoming a reality.
Let me know how I can help, Mary White
Hi Marian, the 50:50 Group is campaigning for balance in Irish Politics, hence our Vision of 50:50 by 2020. We believe that quotas are part of the answer if not the entire solution. Yes, we would have liked the quota to have been at a higher level in the Bill as we think rising to 40% over seven years is far to slow and we would have a concern that the 30% will be interpreted as an upper ceiling by the political parties.
However, as soon as the Bill is introduced into the Seanad on February 2nd, we will be hoping to see some amendments come forward that will propose moving the percentage up.
We would also have liked the gender quota bill to have extended to the local elections. The local elections in 2014 will be crucial in developing the pipeline for the next general election.
We will continue to lobby on this too.
regards,
Edel
Hi Aine, thanks for getting in touch we are always on the look out for enthusiastic volunteers. What part of the country are you in? We have established branches in Cork, Dublin and the North West. We also have groups who are looking to set up in the Mid Wset (Limerick, Clare and North Kerry) as well as the North East and Roscommon. If you want to email me separately at edel@5050-group.com I’d be happy to put you in touch. In the meantime, I’ll put you on the national mailing list if that’s OK?.
Regards, Edel
Hi, only heard a little about the conference, apart from the “flaming red hair” remarks, interested in finding out more about your group with a view to becoming involved.
Áine
I realize that alot of work had gone into the the 30% proposal that will be presented to the Dail. However I cannot understand why it is not 50%. Is the 5050 group proposing 50% ?
I fully support the idea of balance not just in politics but in every aspect of Irish life. Until we have balance in decisions things will not change. Check out this video from TEDWomen http://on.ted.com/8l1w, it articulates very clearly why balance is important. Also, Margaret Heffernan ( not Dunne Stores) also talks about this on her blog.
Thanks Joyce, great to have you onboard. I will contact you separately by email regarding our group. In the meantime feel free to check out our facebook page – 50 50 Group or follow us on twitter – @the5050group.
Edel
Hi,
I would really like to help out in anyway I can and would like to join this campaign.
Kind regards,
Joyce Galgey