Over £7 million has been earmarked for 49 various women’s projects under the Equality for Women Measure, launched today by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O’Donoghue.
The projects will focus on training and educating women so that they can enter, or improve their status within the workforce and become more involved in decision making.The Minister said that the new measure will be aimed towards women in prostitution, women in violent environments, women with disabilities, women refugees, older women and lesbians.
Two of the fund’s beneficiaries expressed their gratitude at the launch. The Irish County Women’s Association said it intended to use the money to provide training and support for women through its college at Terminfeckin and its 1,000 guilds around the country. National President, ICWA, Ms Breeda Raggett said that the organisation would give women the opportunity to have their voices heard and influence policy making.
Director of Women’s Aid Dundalk, Ms Una McGuill thanked the Minister for the grant and promised that the money would be used to appoint a Training Co-ordinator to help victims of male violence survive independently.
The Minister said that, "the funding will also enable a range of organisations to take a step towards providing greater equality of opportunity for women."
FAS will aid the training projects while the Women in Business Network, ICTU, RTE and Iarnród Eireann will try to help women in employment advance their careers.