Lack of female role models in Irish society conference hears

Young women cannot be what they cannot see, and they do not see positive role models in Irish society, a conference for young women heard yesterday.

The sold out #FemFest held in Croke Park in Dublin for women aged 16 to 24 addressed body image and leadership issues.

Organised by the National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI), it follows a recent survey which found young women’s confidence in their leadership skills conflicted with body image insecurities.

Women in leadership officer with the NWCI, Louise Gannon, said women were crying out for an alternative model of leadership that was not just middle-aged and male.

“You can’t be what you can’t see and, right now, young women are telling us they don’t see positive women role models in Irish society,” said Ms Gannon.

More diverse female role models were needed in all areas of society, including politics, business, media, and the arts.

“Quotas and other positive measures are important for all women but will have the greatest impact for young women as future leaders in society,” she said.

Minister of state for equality Aodhán Ó Ríordáin told the meeting that women were doubly disadvantaged in many issues. Gender discrimination ran throughout society, he said.

And, on the thorny issue of gender quotas in politics, Mr Ó Ríordáin said, while imperfect, they were finally showing Irish women that there was a pathway for them into politics.

NWCI director Orla O’Connor said there was a stereotype around young women as apathetic and as their own worst enemy and that had to change.

“The energy around this conference shows that young people want to see change are are looking for spaces to make their voices heard and make a difference,” said Ms O’Connor.

The conference is the culmination of a series of workshops with young women where they explored issues surrounding body image and leadership.