wipl conference report

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FINAL CONFERENCE

Womens Leadership in Reshaping Society

No longer a luxury - an imperative!

Thursday 27 September 2012

Millennium Forum, Derry/Londonderry

Breege Doherty, November 2012

Donegal County Council Second Chance Education Foyle WomensProject for Women Information

Network


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Contents

Page

1. Introduction 2

2. Welcome and Setting the Scene 2

3. Womens Leadership in Reshaping Society 5

4. Workshops 8

5. Launch of Research 18

6. Plenary 21

Appendices 23

Appendix I Conference Programme

The views and opinions expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect those of the

European Commission or the Special EU Programmes Body.


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1. Introduction

Women into Public Life (WIPL) is a regional partnership between Second Chance

Education Project for Women (Donegal), Foyle Womens Information Network

(Derry/Londonderry), Engender (Scotland) and Donegal County Council, who arethe lead partner. Funded by the EUs INTERREG IVA Programme, which is

managed by the Special European Programmes Body (SEUPB), WIPLs main focus

has been addressing the under representation of women in public life. Actions have

included leadership training programmes, seminars, learning between partners and

research on the gender balance of decision-making structures.

Women into Public Life (WIPL) organised this final conference to celebrate the work

and achievements of the Project. to capture the learning from the across the three

jurisdictions and build on the work undertaken. Almost 200 delegates from a range

of organisations and groups in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Scotlandattended this conference - Womens Leadership in Reshaping Society - No longer a

luxury - an imperative! The event, held in Derry/Londonderry, brought together

speakers who inspired and challenged delegates to address key questions on

womens leadership. The programme involved:

Testimonies from women who had participated in WIPLs leadership trainingprogrammes

Launch of research findings on the gender balance of decision makingstructures in the Northwest region

Learning from international experience on the implementation of genderquotas

Themed workshops on leadership, feminism, public speaking, campaigning,women on boards, party politics and gender quotas.

Motivating women to take their power and move into leadership rolesIn this report, the main themes covered by speakers are outlined, together with key

proceedings from the seven workshops.

2. Welcome and Setting the Scene

Chairpersons Address

Mary Crossan, WIPL Steering Committee & Chairperson, Second Chance

Education Project for Women(SCEPW)

As chairperson for the morning session, Mary warmly welcomed all delegates to the

conference, which she described as a day of celebration and reflection. She paid

tribute to all project partners and staff and acknowledged the support received from

Derry City Council and Donegal County Council.

She highlighted the work of the womens sector within the Northwest and

emphasised the need for women to be at the heart of political life and decisionmaking forums. Reflecting on her own journey into public life she stated that support


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from the SCEPW and the womens sector in general was a huge enabling factor.

Commenting on the conference programme, she described the conference speakers

as women who have broken new ground all their life.

Mayor Kevin Campbell, Derry City Council, in his welcoming address, stated that

women need to occupy a central role in government and public life. He commended

WIPL on their pro active approach to the under representation of women and

emphasised the importance of this conference in addressing some key questions

regarding women and leadership.

Mayor Frank McBrearty, Donegal County Council (DCC), reiterated the sentiments

expressed by Mayor Kevin Campbell and referred specifically to a number of WIPL

initiatives, namely the mock council meeting convened by Councillor Cora Harvey

(during her term as Mayor of DCC), in which the gender balance was reversed. He

stressed that the conference highlighted the overwhelming need for women in public

life and acknowledged that the caring responsibilities of women often present a

difficulty for them in entering public and political life. He emphasised the

importance, for both men and women in politics, of standing by their principles, and

referred to the recent resignation of his colleague, Minister of State, Roisin Shortall

TD, on a matter of principle.

Left to right: Niki Kandirikirira (Engender); Mary Crossan, Second Chance Education Project

for Women; Mayor Kevin Campbell (Derry City Council); Noirin Clancy (WIPL); Mayor

Frank McBrearty (Donegal County Council); Maria Ferguson (Donegal County Council);

Catherine Cook (Foyle Womens Information Network)

WIPL achievements and highlights - Introduction to the Conference

Nirn Clancy, WIPL Project Co-ordinator

Norin outlined the three key components of WIPL: training, research and sharing

best practice between partners. The training element was comprised of two strands:

The Going Public programme, aimed at grassroots women, was delivered toover 100 women in the three partner areas in Derry/Londonderry, Donegal

and Scotland.

The Strategic Leadership Programme was aimed at women already inleadership positions and was completed by 17 participants from Donegal andDerry/Londonderry.


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The voices of training participants were brought to conference delegates via a DVD.

It gave me the confidence to speak up..I now speak up at meetings, ..a positive

experience..a chance to share my thoughts on a weekly basis, andIt gave me a great insight

into myself, were some of the comments shared by the participants on the Women

Going Public training.

Participants from the Strategic Leadership Programme for women had this to say:

Ive developed a can-do attitudemore confident, ...learned from and challenged other

women, and confidence to speak up and get the support of a strong group of powerful

women eager to make changes in society.

Introducing the conference theme women and leadership , Noirin spoke of the

central elements of WIPL as supporting, empowering and transforming. She quoted

Aubrey Lord who stated that: The masters tools will never dismantle the masters

house and commented that we may need to create a new house in order to

transform society.

Lorraine McCourt, Director, Joint Technical Secretariat, Special EU Programmes

Body (SEUPB)

Lorraine, reflecting on leadership, quoted Jesse Jackson, who believed that leaders

should be: tough enough to fight, tender enough to cry and tough enough to bounce back.

Women, she stated, bring a different dynamic to leadership. She described the

project as a great example of partner co-operation, adding that the peripheral

location of each partner made it extra challenging to engage with local women. She

commended the project its successes, cited in particular the visit by participants on

the Strategic Leadership Programme to the European Parliament as an important

element in understanding of policy formation. She challenged delegates to shift their

language from deficit to surplus; the surplus of talent that exists of women who are

not involved in decision making structures. Quoting John Maxwell, who stated that

Successful leaders have the courage to take action, while others hesitate her concluding

challenge to conference delegates was: I hope you now have the courage to take action

and shape our communities


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3. Womens Leadership in Reshaping Society

Conversations with three women who know their stuff!

Chair: Margaret E. Ward,Financial journalist and founder of Women on Air

Panel:

Bernadette McAliskey, STEP, Tyrone Professor Fiona Mackay, Chair of Politics, University of Edinburgh Ailbhe Smyth, Feminist Open Forum

Staged in an informal coffee table setting, Margaret invited the three panel

representatives to share their insights on six pertinent questions:

What are the q ualities of female leadership? Do you feel youre deprogramming women from what culture has taught

them?

What is the modern face of feminism? What are your reflections on role models for women? Where do you get your power to climb the next hill? What are your thoughts on the future?

The qualities of female leadership

Ailbhe, reflecting on the voices of course participants heard on the DVD, described

gaining confidence as key for women and shared that, despite years of public

speaking, she still feels nervous at the beginning of such events. She emphasised

how as women we have been raised to think primarily of our relationship with other

people. This, she continued, can be a disadvantage, but also an advantage in that

across all work and politics the centrality of relationship is key. She spoke of her

admiration for Minister of State, Roisin Shortall TD, who recently resigned her post

on a matter of principle and integrity.

Fiona reiterated Ailbhes reflections on pre event nerves adding that: My best lesson

ever was to give myself permission to be nervous.

On the theme of women resigning on principle, she cautioned that we need to be

careful not to load too many expectations on womens shoulders and that resigning

can also be viewed as weak she couldnt take the heat.

She commented that with more WIPL type programmes, the qualities women bring

to leadership will come to be viewed as more mainstream, a welcome development

to the situation heretofore, where women who succeeded were those that emulated

traditional masculine qualities.

Bernadette, questioning the very idea of womens leadership delved deeper into this

question and urged people to focus on their own leadership: If you want to be a

leader, lead yourself, think [for] yourself and then youre halfway to what people call

leadership. Challenging the idea that women are on the margins because there is


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something wrong with us...we stop ourselves, she stated that public life and political

systems were created for men and are, by design, exclusive of women.

Ailbhe, responding to this opinion, agreed that leadership is a problematic term

which has come to be surrounded by mystique, a term which in its essence is about

building a sense of self worth and skills. Observing that it is generally only women

who engage in leadership programmes she questioned why men do not see the

relevance of such programmes.

Deprogramming women from what culture has taught them

For Fiona, women who engage with leadership programmes have already taken that

step of viewing their ideas and opinions as important as those of men: I never think

of de-programming women. For her, training is about recognising the skills women

have: its not about women becoming less good men, and must be followed with a

chance to participate in decision making structures.

In Bernadettes opinion, experiential learning, a cornerstone of any leadership

programme, has become devalued: In the 1960s and 70s we learnt by doing; protesting

the right of women to be themselves, we organised, agitated, listened and learned. The growth

comes from your action.

The modern face of feminism

Ailbhe remarked that, similar to the 1980s, she sees women taking to the streetsagain, particularly as the world recession deepens. In this case, anger at seeing their

rights eroded is the motivating factor: For Ailbhe, a little bit of anger is a good thing,

a lot of anger isfantastic, it really moves you.

Fiona commented that she has observed a similar trend in womens activism in

Scotland.

Role models for women

Bernadette explored how we shape role models in our own image, an image which is

really a reflection of our true selves and the type of person we are/ would like to

become. She cautioned that such role model imaging can be empowering but alsolimiting. She urged people to ask a different question: Who are the women from whom


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I draw strength where have I seen inspirational strength that has helped me to survive?

adding that its often the women standing beside you, or living in your

neighbourhood, who inspire and give you strength.

Ailbhe stated that she drew her inspiration from older women who worked and

continue to work collectively, noting that the high level of individualism in

contemporary society makes it difficult to work collectively.

Climbing the next hill

Fiona, adding a different angle to this question, noted that several women in the

Scottish parliament have resigned their seats. Contrary to popular opinion which

perceives this as a weakness, Fiona, who comes from the understanding that

multiple strategies are always required, sees this as strength, noting that some of

these women have moved to other areas of public life.

Thoughts on the future

Bernadette stressed the importance of rebuilding womens independence and

planning for the future: ..otherwise women will be rolled back, this always happens in a

recession. Women are first out.

Ailbhe, commenting on the global recession and its particular impact on women

stated that we have a huge responsibility to think about what type of world we want.

For her, what we most urgently need is: feminist economics, which puts people in the

centre it is completely the wrong way around.

Question &Answer session

On the first question of whether a gender analysis is an essential part of the change

process in tandem with getting more women into positions of power, the three panel

representatives agreed that the two issues are separate and interlinked, highlighting

the need for transforming the current power structures.

Bernadette commented that in the absence of a gender analysis, in a future scenario

where gender balance is achieved, women, using power in the same manner as men,

will only demonstrate that we have changed the players and the victims.

A second delegate expressed unease regarding the idea that women need to unleash

their anger and commented that passion with integrity is more positive and

constructive. Ailbhe, while agreeing with this comment, reiterated that: I would

never under estimate the power of anger to motivate you.

Bernadette clarified that anger and violence is different, pointing out that as women,

we have been conditioned to see anger as a negative emotion, rather than focusing

on how we handle our anger. Citing several examples of human rights injustices

against women, her concluding comment cautioned against complacency: Once we

stop being angry we allow things to happen. When we lose our sense of being outraged,

outrageous things happen.


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4. Workshops

Workshop A: Leadership, the Boardroom and the Role of Women

Facilitator: Eileen Mullan, (Strictly Boardroom)

The opening question, exploring delegates level of knowledge and experience of

boards, revealed that four women had been or were currently members of a

public/community board. The majority of those present were largely unfamiliar with

the workings of boards/public bodies.

Eileen then displayed an advertisement seeking applications from prospective

members of public boards. The general consensus was that, due to the layout,

phrasing and placing of these advertisements, they were largely invisible to the

public.

In response to an exercise on gender balance on boards, which revealed that a 70%:

30% male: female ratio is still the norm; a number of points were raised:

There was a perception that you had to know the right people in order to beappointed and that the decision was often made before an interview was held.

There is little evidence of diversity in boardrooms, with foreign nationals andwomen being particularly under represented.

It was generally agreed that the present process for applying to public boards isflawed.

Childrearing responsibilities and a perception that the system of appointments isgeared towards men were the two key reasons given for the low level of female

applicants (one in five).

Comparing Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the group concluded that

the public appointments system in Northern Ireland still lacks transparency and

equality of outcome for women, while such a system needs to be implemented in

Republic of Ireland. Questions on this theme were directed to MEP Martina

Anderson and Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch, TD, in the afternoon question and

answer session.


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Workshop B: Im not a feminist but

Facilitator:Niki Kandirikirira

Contributors: Finola Brennan (Donegal Womens Network), Nuala Crilly (North

West Community Network), Alison Spillane (Irish Feminist Network)

What is feminism?

Following a short role play, highlighting a number of feminist issues, participants

shared their understanding of feminist:

A lack of understanding of the term How feminist activity in Derry was shaped by, and responded to, the

Troubles: women came into their own I now realise I was engaged in feminist

activity but didnt know it at the time

The dominant influence of the church The changes which came about for women as a result of feminism and the

struggles of those that came before us

The current negative perception of feminism: We can have the same ideas, butmake them softer and more inclusive.

What does feminism currently mean?

Responses to this question highlighted that feminism is broad ranging and can have

very different meanings depending on your particular life stage, life choices,

experience and world view. A number of issues were raised in relation to work, care,

support structures, gender stereotyping, engaging/re-engaging with women, power,

politics and The Troubles.

The world of work and how we define work:Choosing to go into the paid labour market

versus being a stay-at-home mother, public/personal assumptions about which is the

best choice, accessing work and getting equal pay for your work, the consequences of

taking time out for maternity leave and childrearing, the need to redefine work and

the lack of family friendly work practices were some of key issues discussed in

relation to work.

Care costs and the lack of value attached to it: childcare, elder care and care for those

with a disability were highlighted.

Lack of supports in the face of a changing society:Younger parents, grandparents with

their own responsibilities and an increase in those parenting alone were all seen to

result in a more fragile support structure.

Raising girls/women versus raising boys/men: Labelling of boys and girls (blue/pink),

the need to treat both genders in an equal manner and avoid negative gender

stereotyping, both in school and at home were core points explored: When we were

growing up, the boys were fed first because they were coming in from work, so were we but

we got fed second


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Re-engaging with women:There was a sense that women/womens groups do not have

the same element of solidarity as previously and are reluctant to protest in case they

jeopardise their funding. The struggle of young feminists to be taken seriously and

the need to be strategic and have a five year plan were also raised.

The Troubles:The role played by women in keeping the community alive, how such

community involvement has empowered women, and how people now want to

move on, were key points discussed: I didnt have the confidence to speak before. My

group gave me a voice. Nowyou cant shut me up!

Power, influence and challenging the status quo: The predominance of male power

images, difficulties challenging male behaviour and the insidious nature of sexism

generated much discussion.

Party Politics: The merits of a new party for women, penalising parties for not

adhering to gender balance during selection, and the difficulties of getting women

elected were raised.

Suggested follow up

Participants in the focus group were advised to consult some online

articles/resources which highlight sexism and recommend a number of strategies to

challenge it:

Irish Feminist Network a members-based voluntary organisationopen to allwomen and men in Ireland interested in working towards a more just and

equitable society through the elimination of gender inequalities.

www.irishfeministnetwork.org. www.facebook.com/IrishFeministNetwork.

www.twitter.com/irishfemnetwork

The presentation by Australian author and journalist Anne Summers on thevillification of Austrailias Prime Minister, Julia Gillard: Her Rights at Work -

The Political Persecution of Australias First Female Prime Minister

http://annesummers.com.au/2012/09/my-speech-her-rights-at-work-the-

political-persecution-of-australias-first-female-prime-minister/

Belfast twitter account which highlights womens everyday sexist experience:He says, she says.
http://www.irishfeministnetwork.org/http://www.irishfeministnetwork.org/http://www.facebook.com/IrishFeministNetworkhttp://www.facebook.com/IrishFeministNetworkhttp://www.twitter.com/irishfemnetworkhttp://www.twitter.com/irishfemnetworkhttp://annesummers.com.au/2012/09/my-speech-her-rights-at-work-the-political-persecution-of-australias-first-female-prime-minister/http://annesummers.com.au/2012/09/my-speech-her-rights-at-work-the-political-persecution-of-australias-first-female-prime-minister/http://annesummers.com.au/2012/09/my-speech-her-rights-at-work-the-political-persecution-of-australias-first-female-prime-minister/http://annesummers.com.au/2012/09/my-speech-her-rights-at-work-the-political-persecution-of-australias-first-female-prime-minister/http://annesummers.com.au/2012/09/my-speech-her-rights-at-work-the-political-persecution-of-australias-first-female-prime-minister/http://www.twitter.com/irishfemnetworkhttp://www.facebook.com/IrishFeministNetworkhttp://www.irishfeministnetwork.org/


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Workshop C: Evolution or Revolution? Theyre here! Gender quotas in

Irish politics, learningfrom the French experience

Facilitator: Denise Mc CoolContributors: Rainbow Murray (Queen Mary University of London) Senator Susan

OKeefe & Caroline Fleming (50/50 Campaign).

As part of the introduction participants were asked their views on gender quotas. In

the morning workshop all delegates favoured the introduction of such quotas and in

the afternoon workshop, 65% expressed agreement with quotas and 35% expressed

uncertainty.

Input on 50/50 campaign

Susan gave a brief overview of her journey into politics and her involvement withthe 50/50 campaign (a national advocacy group campaigning for equal

representation for women in politics, 50/50 by 2020). She highlighted a number of

key points:

The legislation, enacted in July 2012, to ensure that 30% of candidates selectedto stand in general elections are female represents a good starting point,

however, careful monitoring is required.

Some parties will seek loopholes and pay the financial penalty rather thancomply with the legislation.

It is our responsibility to support women who want to become candidates;regardless of whether or not we are involved in the 50/50 campaign.

Women are good collaborators and have perseverance.In the afternoon workshop, this input was delivered by Caroline Fleming. Both

Susan and Caroline urged women to join parties at local level.

Input by Rainbow Murray

Rainbow gave an overview of the parity law in France, whereby parties must field an

equal number of male and female candidates in nearly all elections.

She outlined how it works in practice, developments over the last decade, pitfalls

encountered and lessons to be learned, emphasising that a parity law does notautomatically lead to change.

Main points arising from discussion

It was emphasised that the requirement to select at least 30% femalecandidates will only apply to general elections. The consensus was that it

should also be implemented at local council level.

The 50/50 campaign is not a magic bullet but a very important first step.Progress will be slow and small.


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The political structure itself was regarded as outdated, not family friendly formen or women, class based and badly in need of change: When I think what it

takes to be a politician its a nightmare.

Fine Gael was perceived as not supportive of quotas, while delegates were ofthe opinion that Fianna Fail would have difficulty finding candidates. EllenMorton, Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillor commented that similar

difficulties were experienced in Scotland.

It was felt that across all parties, opposition would be encountered from menunwilling to give up their seats.

A solid locally based support structure for women who enter politics wasviewed as vital and it was recognised that while many women may not want

to run for election, they can support those who do.

Overall, gender quotas were seen as a small step on the road of change and thegeneral consensus favoured evolution rather than revolution.

Workshop D: Nobody ever asked me...! Making the leap into party

politics

Facilitator: Mary Mc Callion

Contributors: Cllrs Brenda Stevenson & Mary Hamilton (Derry City Council), Cllr

Cora Harvey (Donegal County Council)

The facilitator outlined the workshop format: Inputs from three active councillors Experience sharing among delegates Examining the barriers women face in politics and encouraging women to be

positive about going for it!

Input by Cora Harvey, Sinn Fein councillor, Donegal County Council

Cora has always been actively involved in politics but would never have stood for

election had she not been approached. She was first co-opted to fill a vacancy in 2008

and was elected in the 2009 local council elections. Cora highlighted a number of key

issues: There are lots of personal challenges to be addressed when deciding to enter

politics such as family circumstances, your own strengths, support structure

and work.

She is conscious that family must come first and maintains that work hours inthe chamber should reflect that. During her time as Mayor, she ensured that

the proceedings ended at 6.00pm, not at 10.00pm as was the case heretofore.

She still retains her job as counsellor with Mental Health services as theremuneration in local politics is small and re-election is never guaranteed.

The mock council meeting convened during her term as Mayor of DonegalCouncil, in which the gender balance was tilted in favour of women,


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highlighted very clearly the gender inequality in the Council and attracted

national media coverage.

Her style of work is to do things quietly and not seek credit publicly; she isaware that this may cost her in the next election.

Input by Brenda Stevenson, SDLP councillor with Derry City Council

Brenda comes from a political family background and entered politics through local

activism. She chairs many committees, loves political life and would be interested in

climbing the ladder if the opportunity presented. She too has a full time job as a

speech therapist and concurred with Coras comments regarding remuneration for

councillors. She is aware that her political involvement demands strong support

from family and friends.

Input by Mary Hamilton, Deputy Mayor and Ulster Unionist member of Derry City

Council

Mary became involved in politics through her husband who was already a serving

politician. She likes working within her community.

All three speakers highlighted the importance of a supportive family/partner and

acknowledged that the cost to family life is enormous and a big consideration for

women.

General discussion points

It is more difficult to break into the more established larger parties whichhave an entrenched male culture and are resistant to change. This culture,

where family friendly work arrangements are not a priority, prevents women

from getting involved.

As a women politician, you must have a position on issues, a passion and acan do attitude

Lots of women have much to offer to political parties and a greater genderperspective would undoubtedly shift the status quo. However, women do

not want to be seen as token women, only involved because of a quota

system, to which Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch TD, replied: since when

did men become more meritorious!

Change cannot happen overnight. Seeing young women involved in political life and occupying positions of

power was seen as an extremely positive development.

We should not be waiting for anyone to ask us to become involvedand itstime we spoke up for ourselves.

Workshop E: There she goes again Sticking to our agendas as leaders

to advance womens equality

Facilitator: Joanna Boyd

Contributors: Avril Mc Monagle (Manager, Donegal County Childcare Committee)

and Anne Timony Meehan (North West Alcohol Forum).


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Input by Avril Mc Monagle

Avril introduced herself giving a brief overview of her role within her organisation,

both as a manager, leader and visionary, and her position on a national policy

making forum. She spoke of the different theories of leadership, challenges of

leadership, and how leadership for women was not always confined to work but also

encompassed home, family, community and every walk of life. Her own leadership

style was based on her passion, beliefs, values and strong work ethics.

Input by Anne Timoney-Meehan

Ann introduced herself with a brief overview of her leadership experiences which

involved being thrown into the deep end and having to take on the management of a

business at short notice. She described the challenges she encountered in being

different and creative while holding on to her own beliefs in a culture of this is the

way we do things here. She spoke of swimming against the tide and of her resilience

and tenacity and the need to be aware of setting goals, developing alliances and

recognising when you need help along the way. Challenges begin when we challenge

the status quo, prepare to get knocked back, plan your way ahead!

Key points from both speakers:

Be prepared, informed, confident, calm and know your boundaries Be aware that others may perceive you differently Be aware of different styles of leadership and know your own style Be prepared for obstruction, challenges, feelings of isolation and sometimes a

lack of support from other women

Hold on to your own principles and do not compromise on important values Strategise, do not couch decisions and develop alternative solutions Develop a tough skin while having an awareness of your own emotions and

feelings.

General discussion points

There was an interesting and varied exchange of opinions and views from the

workshop participants; diverse in age, background and nationality:

Women have a duty to step forward to assume their rightful place in decisionmaking, public life and politics. However, when women put their heads

above the parapet, they can be setting themselves up for a fall. Furthermore,

they are often not taken seriously and are perceived to lose control when

challenged. The importance of women supporting other women and working

as a collective is vital.

Training has limitations and can be over rated. In addition, womensexperiential learning is often not recognised. However, creative training

which challenges the male dominated culture of the boardroom is required.

Leaders, particularly women leaders, need the space to be creative, yetcreative approaches are often undervalued. Overall, leaders can often feel

isolated in their roles, both professionally and socially.

Working within an unequal, male dominated, deeply embedded patriarchalworld is challenging and the institutions need to be changed. Other models

of good practice, family friendly in nature, need to be explored.


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Workshop F: Speaking Up - Women and public speaking, why such a dread?

Facilitator:Diane Greer (Workers Educational Association - WEA)

From Dianes opening question, it emerged that people had difficulty speaking up in

a variety of situations as follows:

Radio interviews Community boards Public meetings Schools (with teachers and principals) Family and healthcare situations Political environments Work situations At podiums Large groups Where asked opinion unexpectedly Subject unfamiliar to them or which they are not passionate about People who do not listen

Delegates then discussed what caused such a difficulty speaking out in these

situations. Again, a variety of answers were forthcoming:

Fear of jargon Emotional triggers to topic being discussed Male dominated environment Dealing with Anger How we hear comments from others Lack of knowledge Self doubt Fear of causing offence Minority opinion Not able to articulate points coherently Fear of not having public support of womenMinimising your fears

Diane explored some of the above fears and discussed ways of minimising them.

Some key points emerging were:

Manage your physical reactions - note how your body reacts to stress, note yourbreathing, tone of voice and how the voice pitch becomes raised when

anxious, wear comfortable clothes.

Preparation is key - know your material and your surroundings, practicestanding up and speaking out loud, check microphones and have a

beginning, middle and end.

Let go of points if they are no longer valid - conversely, if a point is worthmaking, keep making it and qualify your points if necessary.

Induction -arrange to get an induction if you are a new board member. Giveyourself permission to get to know other board members, garner support

from them and ask questions.


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Know your strengths - realise areas you are good at, find what works for you,be authentic and be yourself and use your intuition.

Appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of others, support otherspeakers and be inclusive.

Evaluate your performance afterwards. Learn when to stop speaking. Humour - if it isnt natural to you, dont use it.

Workshop G : Campaigning and Influencing Campaigns on womens issues that

succeeded

Facilitators: Helen Henderson and Emma Johnston

Contributors Maureen Collins (Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Support Group),

Lynn Carvill (Womens Resource & Development Agency - WRDA)

An initial brainstorm revealed delegates thoughts on the word campaign:

Human Trafficking Sneaky cuts Transport to and from hospital for patients living in remote areas Employment rights Taking action, protests, taking to the streets Giving voice to something Just do it Lobbying.

Input by Maureen Collins

Maureen spoke about two successful campaigns run by the Pink Ladies Breast

Cancer Support Group, where a variety of strategies were used: networking, meeting

with MLAs, putting everything in writing and using case studies to prove your

arguments. The Pink Ladies, with 63 members, has its origins in a community

response to dealing with the psychological impact of breast cancer.


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Satellite Cancer Centre

Within three hours of the announcement on March 16th that Altnagelvin would not

be getting a satellite cancer centre, the Pink Ladies started their protest dressed in

pink. They rang the local radio stations and wrote a letter to the then Health

Minister. Four days later they arrived in Stormont, dressed in pink, putting their case

to the Health Minister. By the following Friday they were assured they would have a

unit in Derry.

Winter fuel allowance for cancer patients

Regarding the campaign for winter fuel allowance for cancer patients, they meet the

MLAs in Stormont dressed in pink and made their case, accompanied by five people

who would be directly impacted by the proposed cuts. On October 18th it was

announced that all cancer patients would get the winter fuel allowance.

Input by Lynn Carvill

Lynn gave an overview of the impact of the 2010 budget cuts, where 75% of the cuts

affected women. She outlined the WRDA response of informing women at

grassroots level of the impact of the cuts on women and the production of a research

report Women on the Edge.

Key elements of her work as a lobbyist:

Informing the politicians and relevant others in political parties and framingpolicy issues in a gender perspective

Working through Assembly structures and committees, giving evidence tosuch committees.

Attending Political Party conferences Keeping the message simple. For example message cards stating Pay the

money to the main carer

Convening public protests, such as the Empty purse protest where 108women were mobilized to gather 108 purses to be delivered to 108 MLAs

Informing the public through the media.Campaigningthe four aspects

Research know your stuff! Run an evidence based campaign Engage in activism and collaboration Use political structures Circulate message using all forms of the media.

The workshop was lively and informative. All the participants engaged in the

discussion and left with a positive message that lobbying and campaigning is an

effective way to bring about change.


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5. Launch of Research - Gender Balance of Decision Making

structures in the Region

Chair for afternoon session: Catherine Cooke, WIPL Steering Committee & Co-

ordinator of Foyle Womens Information Network (FWIN)Following a short DVD on the experiences of women who had completed the WIPL

Strategic Leadership Programme, Catherine welcomed delegates to the afternoon

session.

Research on Gender Balance of Decision Making Structures, Rachel Coyle, WIPL

intern

The purpose of this research, completed by Rachel, was to assess the Gender Balance

of boards of key decision making structures in Donegal and Derry/Londonderry.

Rachel gave a brief overview of the findings, focusing particularly on:

the lack of gender balance within the majority of boards the barriers to womens participation recommendations for change

Response from politicians

Chair: Anne MacAteer, HSE Senior Health Promotion Office & WIPL Strategic

Leadership Programme

Panel

Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll & Bute Council MEP Martina Anderson Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch T.D.

Newly appointed MEP Martina described the research as quite thought provoking

and identified with many of the sentiments expressed in the DVD: I was that woman

quite shy and quiet, when I found my voice, I used it more than some men would have

wanted. For us women born into this traditional society, entering into other arenas has been

a challenge. While Sinn Fein has a proactive policy on gender balance, with three of

the four MEPs being women, she states there is much room for improvement. She

stressed the need for recruiting women into politics and public life who represent the

broad spectrum of womens issues across all strata of society: working class and grass

roots women have been annoyed by groups that look [exclusively] at the gender paygap,there are bigger, wider issues, such as caring responsibilities.


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Ellen, who served eight years on the Scottish legal aid board, stated that in Scotland

despite a favourable policy climate, the commission of public appointments declared

in 2003 that Its still a male, pale world here in Scotland . Forty five Scottish public

bodies recently reviewed had less than 40% women on their boards with a ratio of 1:6

female: male chairs, evidence that little has changed since 2003. While

acknowledging that many women do not apply for membership of public boards

because of a lack of confidence, she stresses that we also need to consider class

prejudice, the criteria/job description for public boards and ageism, issues which, in

her opinion, also effect men who are unemployed. For her, getting government

bodies to revise their criteria and reword them in a way that reflects womens life

experiences, as well as becoming more family friendly, is essential. On quotas she

states: Im not that keen on quotas, I dont want to be there and be seen as a token woman.

Kathleen, expressing an opposing view on quotas, highlighted the importance of

accepting that we will have differences of opinion. While acknowledging the lack of

gender balance in politics generally in the Republic of Ireland, she pointed out that

the Attorney General, the President of the Supreme Court and the Minister of State

for Justice are all women. She stated her firm belief in quotas, which, in her view are

merely a statement that in the future there will be space for women, that political parties want

women to participate.

Question &Answer session

Which of the panel members is planning to initiate a female apprenticeship

programme?

Kathleen replied that she chaired a group, where one of the recommendations is to

give people access to shadow business and political woman.

Ellen responded that the political party she represents have fielded a number of

female candidates, one of whom was elected.

Martina promised to take this on board in 2013, adding that, as she is a recent

appointee, having someone shadow her in Europe at present would be of limited

value.


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How can state bodies embrace the wealth of womens experience?

Kathleen commented on the need to introduce a list/talent bank: we need to think

outside the box. She referred to the recently appointed mental health commission in

the Republic of Ireland, where proactive measures were initiated to achieve a gender

balance by seeking both a male and female nomination from a number of member

bodies.

Martina agreed that a number of initiatives could be put in place

Ellen, adamant that women can do the job if given the opportunity, again

highlighted that the criteria is weighted against women and questioned how a 30-40

year old women can put together a curriculum vitae that matches the experience of a

55 year old retired male professional.

Why do we not have a commission for public appointments in the South?

Kathleen urged delegates to restart the argument to get more women involved in

public life. While she reflected that movements in civil society usually bring about

greatest change, she emphasised the importance of legislation in changing practices:

I believe that if you legislate, the barriers will fall.

Martina, referring to the importance of the existing equality legislation in Northern

Ireland Section 75, stated the need for a greater focus on equality of outcome: we

need to get away from ticking boxes and look more at outcomes.

Ellen remained confident that a critical mass of women will be achieved on boards in

the near future stating that evolution will speed up the process.

What plans are in place to implement a system of public appointments in the

Republic of Ireland and for reform of the existing appointment system in

Northern Ireland?

Kathleen stated that there is a commitment in the programme for government to

establish such a commission.

Martina highlighted the importance of ensuring that women get an opportunity to

participate on public boards/bodies, while cautioning against focusing exclusively on

this issue at the expense of issues facing grassroots women. Across Europe every year,

1000 women are killed because of mens violence. That, combined with austerity measures

means that those people who are struggling the most are women and older women in

particular.


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6. Plenary Session

Concluding Comments Baroness May Blood

May, born into a working class protestant family in a mixed area of Belfast,

described growing up in a household imbued in trade union principles. On leavingschool at 14 years of age, she worked in the linen mill, becoming shop steward after

five years, progressing eventually to senior shop steward. While she availed of great

training opportunities through the trade union, she acknowledged that it was very

male dominated: ..very often I was the only women in a room full of men.

Similar to many communities in Northern Ireland, Mays community was devastated

by the conflict: my world went upside down; the fear was so great you could have touched

it.

Participating effectively on boards/public bodies - seven points to considerMay shared a number of strategies for effective participation, while reassuring

delegates that: the sooner you learn that you dont have to know everything the better.

Be prepared - its not just a question of going or joining, be prepared foreverything that comes your way

Utilise all your contacts never be afraid to ask people to help you Believe in yourself- if you dont believe in yourself, who else is going to believe

in you. Dont let your gender stand in your way

Learn and respect the rules - so you dont make a fool of yourself Be inclusive - so many women have pulled the ladder up behind them

Cost - realise that there is a cost (both time and money) involved inparticipating on boards, public life and political life

Embrace your uniqueness - life is too short to live someone elses life.Quoting the Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who said:

Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising every time we fall, May noted that:

If I had given up every time I was insulted, Id have stopped a long time ago.

May concluded her input with three questions to delegates:

Why are you really here?

What do you really want? How will you use the information you have received here today?


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Final reflections from Catherine Cooke

Catherine warmly thanked all speakers and delegates and shared her key reflections

from the day:

We need more emphasis on quotas in Northern Ireland We need more transparent processes Women dont always need training they need an opportunity Its a demand problem, not a supply problem Role models you cant be what you cant see Mentoring and support are crucial Men need to take a step back If you legislate, the barriers will fall Evolution and equality of outcome


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APPENDIX 1

Conference Programme

Womens Leadership in Reshaping Society

No longer a luxury, an imperative!Thursday 27 September 2012

Millennium Forum, Derry/Londonderry

9.30 Registration & Refreshments

Chair: Mary Crossan, WIPL Steering Committee & Chairperson, SecondChance Education Project for Women

10.00 Welcome

Mayor Kevin Campbell, Derry City Council

Mayor Frank McBrearty, Donegal County Council

10.10 Setting the scene

WIPL-achievements and highlights; Introduction to the Conference

Nirn Clancy, WIPL Project Co-ordinator

10.30 Lorraine McCourt, Director, Joint Technical Secretariat, SEUPB (Special EUProgrammes Body)

10.35 Womens Leadership in Reshaping Society

Conversation with three women who know their stuff!

Bernadette McAliskey, STEP, Tyrone Professor Fiona Mackay, Chair of Politics, University of Edinburgh Ailbhe Smyth, Feminist Open Forum

Chair: Margaret E. Ward,Financial journalist and founder of Women on Air.Q & A

11.35 BREAK


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11.50 Workshops

A. Leadership, the Boardroom and the Role of WomenEileen Mullan, Strictly Boardroom

B. Im not a feminist but... Yet, are we not all for equality and non-discrimination? Finola Brennan, NCCWN Donegal Womens Network; Nuala

Crilly, North West Community Network; Alison Spillane, Irish FeministNetworkC. Evolution or revolution? Theyre here! Gender quotas in Irish politics,

learning from the French experience.

Rainbow Murray, Queen Mary University of London; Susan OKeeffe/CarolineFleming, 5050 Campaign.

D. Nobody ever asked me..! Making the leap into party politics. Cllrs. BrendaStevenson & Mary Hamilton, Derry City Council;

Cllr. Cora Harvey, Donegal County CouncilE. There she goes again ... Sticking to our agenda as leaders to advance

womens equality. Avril McMonagle, Donegal County Childcare Committee

Manager. Anne Timony-Meehan, North West Alcohol Forum

F. Speaking up Women and public speaking, why such a dread? Diane Greer,WEA (Workers Educational Association)

G. Campaigning and influencing -campaigns on womens issues thatsucceeded. Lynn Carvill, Womens Resource & Development Agency; Belfast.

Karen Mullan, Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Support Group

13.00 LUNCH

14.00 Workshops repeated

A. Leadership, the Boardroom and the Role of WomenB. Im not a feminist but...C.

Evolution or Revolution?D. Nobody ever asked me

E. There she goes again F. Speaking upG. Campaigning and influencing

Chair: Catherine Cooke, WIPL Steering Committee & Co-ordinator, FWIN (FoyleWomens Information Network)

15.00 Launch of Research - Gender Balance of Decision-Making structures in theRegionRachel Coyle, WIPL InternResponse from politicians:

Councillor Ellen Morton, Arygll & Bute Council MEP Martina Anderson Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch T.D.

Q & A session facilitated by: Anne MacAteer, HSE Senior Health Promotion Officer &WIPL Strategic Leadership Programme

16.00 Concluding Comments

Baroness May Blood

16.20 Closing remarks


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wipl conference report

Documents