WASG roadshow to promote greater inclusivity in Irish farming
The Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Group (WASG) has officially launched its national roadshow aiming to promote greater inclusivity in Irish farming.
The series of events, entitled the Women in Agriculture National Dialogue, is being run in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
The roadshow is being delivered in response to the government's National Women in Agriculture Action Plan and is designed to showcase the vital contribution of women in Irish farming.
The national roadshow will take place over three dates and locations, as follows:
- Monday, October 7: McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co. Mayo;
- Wednesday, October 9: Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Cork;
- Monday, October 14: Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
The events will be MCed by Agriland editor, Stella Meehan and Agriland senior journalist, Aisling O'Brien.
Organisers said that the events will offer an opportunity for both male and female farmers to network, exchange experiences, and work towards creating a more supportive agricultural sector.
"This roadshow will give women in agriculture a platform to share their insights and experiences," Mona O’Donoghue Concannon, chair of the Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Group, said.
"We want to create a safe space where women feel comfortable expanding their knowledge, building networks, and being recognised for the vital role they play in the future of Irish farming.
"A range of stakeholders and sector representatives will be in attendance and a great information pool on the day where knowledge and experiences can be explored and built upon," she added.
Mona O’Donoghue Concannon said that the events will focus on providing women in agriculture with a voice.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in open discussions, hear from sector leaders, and collaborate on solutions to advance the inclusion of women in agriculture.
"Our aim is to create a lasting impact by ensuring that women become part of agricultural decision-making and policy formation.
"The Women in Agriculture National Dialogue roadshow is a crucial step forward in ensuring that women farmers in Ireland have the resources and support they need to succeed," she said.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said that advancing gender equality in agriculture has been among his key objectives.
"We all recognise the importance of gender equality to the long-term sustainable future of the sector.
"Last year’s National Dialogue on Women in Agriculture and the resulting action plan illustrate the willingness of stakeholders to work together to effect change in this area.
"I am pleased to see the delivery of a series of information and networking events, supported by my department.
"These events will facilitate positive engagement on the challenges and opportunities encountered by women farmers, which is key to achieving meaningful progress.
"We will continue to engage to find solutions that afford women in the sector the access, visibility and recognition they deserve," the minister said.
The Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group is an independent, voluntary body that includes representatives from many of Ireland's leading farming organisations.
It was established to address the underrepresentation of women in Irish agricultural policies and organisations.
Recent data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that 70,000 women work on Irish farms every day without formal recognition.
Only 17,000 women officially own farms, and fewer than 1% of farms list a woman as a named female partner.
Those wishing to attend one of the roadshow events are asked to register in advance on the Women in Agriculture Stakeholders Group website.
