Women’s Working Group officially launched by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Mon, March 01, 2021
A new Women’s Working Group has been officially launched by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council ahead of International Women’s Day.
The group was established earlier this year and aims to promote and encourage the role of women in public and community life.
Welcoming the development, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding said: “As a Council we want women to take their place as decision makers and policy shapers in order to make a positive difference to our society.
“This new group will give focus to our commitment and encourage females to build their skills and confidence as public representatives both now and in the future.
“I look forward to working with its members throughout the remainder of my term.”
The group’s inaugural Chairperson, Councillor Leanne Peacock, initiated its creation with a Notice of Motion presented to Council last year.
At that time, she expressed the need to develop a nuanced approach to tackle the underlying, interconnected barriers that women often face.
Reflecting on the aims of the group, Councillor Peacock said: “Causeway Coast and Glens Council has the highest percentage of female elected representatives of all 11 councils- but yet a lot of work still needs to be done. I’m proud to have brought this group forward and I hope that we can foster a sense of purpose and motivation among women in order to make further progress.
“It’s fitting that as International Women’s Day approaches we’re celebrating the role of women while also working to make political, civic and community arenas more accessible for them.”
Working Group Vice-Chair Councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan added: “The creation of this group is a very positive step for Council, and I’m pleased to see that we are setting this example. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Choose to Challenge’ and these words are something we should all stop and think about. We want to step up and show what women can achieve within society and ensure that their skills, knowledge and abilities are nurtured and developed. By doing this we are helping our communities to be the best they can.”
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