Fine Gael Women’s Network to mark International Women’s Day with renewed commitment to safer Kilkenny

As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, the Fine Gael Women’s Network is calling on the people of Kilkenny to reflect on the progress toward true gender equality and the work that remains to ensure every woman is safe in her home and community.

"At Fine Gael Women’s Network, we believe your gender should never limit your potential or your safety," says Monica Murphy, Communications Officer for the Fine Gael Women’s Network.

"The Amber Kilkenny Women’s Refuge is a vital local partner. Funding increases have helped them manage a surge in outreach requests, which have grown by over 15% in the last year. Under the leadership of former Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, Fine Gael have shifted the national conversation from awareness towards Zero Tolerance.
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"Practical supports delivered and welcomed by Fine Gael Women’s Network include: Stand-alone Stalking Offence: Introduction of new laws to ensure stalking and non-fatal strangulation are treated with the severity they deserve, giving Gardaí the power to act earlier. Paid Domestic Violence Leave: Ireland is now a leader in Europe, providing five days of paid leave so survivors don’t have to choose between their safety and their paycheque. Cuan – The New National Agency: Establishment of a dedicated statutory agency, Cuan, to oversee the delivery of refuge spaces and support services, ensuring a streamlined, survivor-centred approach. Doubling Refuge Spaces at vital : The investment of €363 million to double the number of refuge spaces nationwide, including new builds in counties that previously had no dedicated units.

"While these supports and resources are welcome, at Fine Gael Women’s Network, we will continue to push for policies and implementation that warrant them redundant altogether so that they are no longer needed as domestic and sexual violence gets eradicated. International Women’s Day is one day dedicated to women all over the world and is celebrated on March 8 for the past 115 years.
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"This International Women’s Day, we want to make it clear that gender equality is about more than statistics; it is about the woman starting a business in our towns and suburbs, the students at our local colleges feeling safe, the girls in our primary and secondary schools being given the same opportunities in science and technology as the boys, women in our communities who can speak out against domestic or sexual violence, girls and women in sports, and in our healthcare system, and maybe most critically, in our homes who deserve to grow up in a society that respects them.

"This March 8, the Fine Gael Women’s Network stands with the women of Kilkenny. We remain committed to the hard work in government to ensure equality is felt in every home, community and workplace."