In the next general election in Ireland, at least 30% of candidates running for each political party must be women; parties that fail to comply will lose half their state funding. At the following election, women must comprise at least 40% of candidates. Fine Gael introduced this legislation because we recognise the dire under-representation of women in Irish politics. We want:

• Broader participation in politics to strengthen and modernise our democracy
• A more representative parliament, better equipped to make decisions that reflect the needs and concerns of all citizens
• A democracy where both men and women can contribute the range of their experiences and work together to deliver progress for all of our people.

The gender equality project is about achieving significant cultural change in a party with long established traditions and work practices.

As part of the project’s programme for 2013, we are inviting women members to participate in a series of networking training seminars. These will provide women members with the opportunity to network across all constituencies with women in the party, to consider how to get more women members into Fine Gael, to develop their skills as party activists, and to identify and support women candidates for election.

The aim of the seminars is to support women in taking more prominent and effective roles within Fine Gael. Modules will focus on different aspects of political involvement. If you would like more information on upcoming semianrs please contact Gillian Kavanagh in Fine Gael Headquarters- gillian@finegael.com.

The only qualification required is the determination to make a real difference.