PICTURES: Women leading Tipperary event brings together activists, volunteers and elected representatives

Tipperary women from across community development, environmental action, advocacy and public life came together in Thurles last week, for a powerful conversation about leadership, representation and creating pathways into local decision-making.

Hosted by Tipperary Public Participation Network (PPN) and See Her Elected (SHE), Women Leading Tipperary: Real Stories, Real Pathways to Decision-Making highlighted the experiences of women already shaping their communities and encouraged others to see themselves as future leaders, representatives and decision-makers.

The event, held at Thurles Chamber Enterprise Centre on Friday May 15, brought together community activists, volunteers, elected representatives and development workers for a morning focused on active citizenship, participation and empowering more women to step into leadership roles at local level.

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Through a workshop, discussion and personal stories, the event explored how women can influence change within their communities, whether through volunteering, advocacy, public participation or running for elected office.

Opening the event, Tipperary PPN Co-ordinator, Ruth Smith, welcomed attendees before workshops, led by See Her Elected’s Michelle Maher and Megan Flynn Dixon, focused on active citizenship and understanding proximity to power.

The morning also featured a panel discussion with women leaders from across Tipperary, who shared their own experiences of community leadership, activism and representation.

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Michelle Maher, of See Her Elected, said: “What was so powerful was hearing women speak honestly about the different pathways into leadership and decision-making. Many women are already leading every day in their communities, through volunteering, advocacy, organising and supporting others, but they may not always recognise that as leadership.

“Events like this are about building confidence, sharing knowledge and showing women that their voices, experiences and perspectives belong at every decision-making table. We need more women from all backgrounds involved in shaping the future of our communities and local government.”

Tipperary County Council, who also supported the event, currently has just 12 female councillors, out of 40.

Addressing the gathering, Tipperary PPN Coordinator Ruth Smith said: “Representation is what it’s all about for us. It’s about empowering the community voice to be able to go on to our 64 seats. It’s a great way to then look around, learn the ropes, learn the structures, and think, well, do I want to go further? Do I actually want to step up to where other councillors have gone, which is going and canvassing and really having a team behind you who are saying, you’re fabulous.

“Here today we have PPN reps. We have workers. We have volunteers. And we need everybody. We need everybody to believe that they can be empowered enough to step up.”

Launching the See Her Elected guide to Running in the 2029 Local Elections, Ruth said; “Information is power and this guide oozes taking our power if we choose to do it. 

“This is a vital publication. Even if you’re vaguely considering stepping into politics, this is a vital part of it. So read it, even if you just want to support a woman. Find a woman and get behind her and inform yourself how to do it.”

The panel on the day included: Mary McMahon, Age Friendly Roscrea Coordinator, Environmental activist and PPN representative . Mary has played an important role in promoting social inclusion, sustainability, and environmental awareness in County Tipperary.

Sandra Lakaciauskaite, Roma Health Project Coordinator with Youth Work Ireland Tipperary, a dedicated community development and family support professional.

Iva Pocock, an environmental campaigner, communications professional, and community activist with a strong commitment to sustainability, social justice, and local development.

Lily Torode, a passionate community advocate and volunteer, who has played a significant role in supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ communities, in Tipperary and Limerick.

Here’s what women in attendance thought of the day: Mary McMahon, Coordinator Age Friendly Roscrea; “My favourite thing today was meeting all the women here, seeing the broad spectrum of activities that everybody’s involved in, what wonderful supports they are in their communities, and the great work that they’re doing.”

Ash Hearne General Manager Ballingarry Thurles Development Company: “It was just really, really interesting to hear the perspective of people who know what it is to be in the political world, and know what it is to be working in voluntary organisations, and how we can really all kind of come together and think a little bit differently about things.”

Hilary Dilworth, South Tipperary Development Company; “I think the big thing for women to think about, of all ages really, is to lean into leadership positions, whether that’s a capital L or a small l. And remember that whatever way you do your leadership is your way.

“Stop comparing yourself to the women in positions who might have done those positions before, and embrace what you can bring to leadership positions within your community.” 

Roisin McManus, Galway, said; “The best thing about today was hearing how other women forge their own pathways into leadership. It was very inspiring and very encouraging.”

Kathryn McGrath, Coach/Trainer/Consultant ABC Coaching (Authentic Behaviour Change for Lifelong Wellbeing), said: “I have to say I was really inspired by the panel of speakers. Really inspiring for women. They have really walked the walk and been part of their community and it really reminded us all. It opened up the conversation about how powerful women are, and what resilience we have within us.”

Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara, said: “I really enjoyed the workshop, meeting like-minded women that want to support each other, and that want to progress women in politics. And I think that’s really, really important.

“We’re lucky in Tipperary with the numbers of women that we have representing us, but it’s important to keep those women involved, and support them, and bring more people along to enter, I suppose, the local politics scene. And keep the voices of women and mothers and everybody in the community heard, so that we have representation for all women in society.”

Cllr Kay Cahill Skehan, said: “So I really enjoyed today. It’s just wonderful to hear all the women talk, and the women that have such experiences with working within the community, and all that they’re doing, and how effective women’s role is within the community”.