State boards need more ‘awkward women’, according to Lynch

More “awkward women” are needed on the boards of state bodies and private companies, according to the junior minister with responsibility for equality, Kathleen Lynch.

A recent report by the Irish Examiner found that all but three out of 14 government departments have failed to reach a 40% gender representation target set out in the Programme for Government.

But Ms Lynch, who is Minister of State at the Department of Justice, with responsibility for Equality, is compiling a list of eligible women with expertise and experience which ministers could draw from when making appointments.