Annual WO Training & Networking Day

Issued : Saturday 30 January, 2010

Labour’s women met for the annual Training and Networking day in Dublin. Women’s Officers, and women who are just interested in knowing more about being involved, came from all over the country to hear and talk about women’s role in the party.

For Donna Pierce, Labour Party Vice-Chair, this was her first ‘official’ event as the Vice-Chair of the Party and an opportunity to meet many women from different constituencies. Donna explained some of the structures of the party, such as the difference between the EB and the CC , and took questions on motions, Area Reps, Branches, and improving the gender balance of the Party bodies. Joining the local Branch and then becoming the Branch Chair was the start, leading her to be now the Vice-Chair of the Party.
“Women bring a particular skill set to what we need in a political party. Many women are very good at micro-managing, and make great Directors of Election. I would encourage women to consider using their skills and finding a role in the party that suits them. If you love the thrill of the election, join an election team. If you like the steady work of a committee, run for a Constituency position. Women do need to push doors open”, she said.

Katherine Dunne, LW Chair, gave an overview of Labour Women. Katherine has been heading LW since October last year.
“For over 30 LW has worked to advance women in politics. Increasing women’s political participation is our main focus, but we also deal with all other issues – all issues are women’s issues. Most recently LW have been involved in supporting the campaign to get justice for the Magdalen Women, for example. Apart for events we also influence policy and try to keep women on the agenda”, Katherine said.

Orlaith Finnegan’s talk explained the role social networking can play in getting the LW message out.
“LW are now tweeting. It is a way for us to engage with people directly, and have a conversation with people who may not know us yet. There is a misconception that the twitter users are all young people, but the majority of them are in fact in the 35-49 age group.”

Kirsi Hanifin spoke about the role of the Women’s Officer.
“Women have made gains in the Labour Party. It has been made possible because we have had and continue to have women in the party who fight for women. WOs can play a role in that”, she said.

Judy Dunne, LW Vice-Chair, covered other roles in the party :
“If you have done a stint as the WO, you may find other roles you are interested in. Being part of the election team or joining the Constituency organisation is perhaps the next step”, she said.

“There really are so many great women in this party!” said one woman – summing up the day well.