Strategy to empower more women and younger farmers to get involved in the IFA launched

A strategy to empower and encourage more women and younger farmers to get involved in the Irish Farmers Association was launched today.

It marked the United Nations designated International Rural Women’s Day, which recognises the crucial role that women play in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall wellbeing IFA president Joe Healy said the strategy towards 2025 aims to build a platform for change, creating momentum and challenging the status quo to support a more diverse and inclusive organisation.

15th October is International #ruralwomen day. @IFAmedia's National Council now has its highest ever female representation. However, we want this to increase. Tomorrow we are launching our #Diversity strategy, our roadmap to increase diversity across all parts of the Association. pic.twitter.com/6uTWMByuSl

— Irish Farmers' Association (@IFAmedia) October 14, 2019

“While there has been significant improvement in the level of female representation in the Association in recent years, this strategy will ensure that we continue to grow and improve so that leadership better reflects our diverse membership,” he said.

Mr Healy said the strategy is a clear statement of the IFA’s commitment to improve diversity and create a culture of inclusion.

Introducing a target of an 80:20 gender split on all national committees within the lifetime of the strategy and ensuring that at least 20% of candidates for election are women are among the aims outlined in the strategy.