FA will launch a survey during the Ploughing Championships to identify ways of increasing women’s participation in IFA. The survey will build a picture of those that live and work on farms across Ireland, to provide recommendations to enhance women’s involvement in the Association.
In 2017, National Council approved a proposal to establish a group to look at measures that could be taken to enhance the involvement of women in the IFA.
The Chair of the Committee is Amii McKeever, who has just taken up the role of Editor of Country Living with the Irish Farmers Journal. The Committee will also comprise the five female county Chairs, the Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair Caroline Farrell, and outside representatives.
Amii McKeever said “The data collected in the survey will be used to provide baseline information that will be used to inform the recommendations of the group. It’s intended that this will support a more diverse participation in the organisation, which has been shown to improve decision making processes”.
It is hoped that a final report will be presented to Council by end of 2018.
Caroline Farrell said, “Women play a major role in Irish agriculture, participating in a full range of farming activities. However, women are often under represented amongst the elected leadership of national level farming organisations. It is hoped that the survey in combination with desk research within IFA will provide information on the barriers to advancing women’s roles inside & outside the farm.
To have your say go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3P7NP83, and fill out the survey.
The survey will remain open until Friday, October 5th.
