The Department of Equality has opened a public consultation on the next “National Strategy for Women and Girls,” asking for the public’s input on women’s rights in Ireland.
According to the Department, this new strategy seeks to “help advance the rights of women and girls.”
“The new strategy will build on the previous strategy objectives in areas such as leadership, social and economic issues, visibility and active participation, healthcare, and gender mainstreaming,” they added.
“To inform this process, the Department wants to gather the views of members of the public to make sure a broad range of opinions and experiences are included when considering what are the key issues, and how best to deal with the key challenges facing women and girls today.”
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
IPSOS Behaviour and Attitudes have been contracted to carry out the consultation. The survey will be open from August 19th to September 30th, and detailed submissions can be made by an individual or an organisation. A basic online survey can be accessed here.
Alternatively, the Department says that “a more detailed response for any question” can be sent directly via email to IE-PA-genderequalitystrategy2023@ipsos-online.com.
WHAT WILL THE DEPARTMENT DO WITH YOUR RESPONSE?
According to the Department, a report on the findings of the consultation will be developed using information collected as part of this survey.
“This report will inform the design of the next National Strategy for Women and Girls,” they say.
“This report may be published, and extracts from submissions or survey answers may be quoted in the report. Please note that responses from individuals will be anonymised so participants will not be personally identified in any way.
“…After the online survey is closed, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will begin a series of in-person consultations to further inform the development of the next National Strategy for Women and Girls.”
Notably, all submissions will be subject to release under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014 and Data Protection legislation.