Donaldson pledges his support for Rural Women’s Movement
A recent event organised by the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network sought to identify the key issues for women in rural areas and how these might be addressed. The event held in the Linen Green, Moygashel on Wednesday night last drew considerable support from the public and from community development practitioners.
Gender wage imbalances, isolation, marginalisation, domestic violence, access to quality healthcare, education and our male-dominated Judiciary were a number of the issues which were discussed over the course of the evening.
Fermanagh & South Tyrone Ulster Unionist Party Assembly candidate, Kenny Donaldson was amongst the political panellists.
Speaking after the event, Kenny said: “I was delighted to be asked to participate in what proved to be; a highly informative and interactive discussion.
“What came out in discussions above all else was the need for; ‘a sustainable, rural childcare strategy’ to be developed. Lack of quality, affordable childcare in rural areas is a major barrier for rural women whom wish to become involved in economic, social and political life.
“I pledge my support for the efforts of our rural women’s movement. Women have been the lynchpin of rural society for decades and it is long gone time that they were afforded every opportunity to contribute to the wider social, economic and political life of this Region.
“The days when, ‘women made the tea’ while ‘men did the business’ is not reflective of a modern, rights based society. All should be afforded equal opportunity to develop without being discriminated against. I look forward to working in partnership with our rural women’s movement in delivering upon the many issues which have up to now, been neglected by Direct Rule Government,” concluded the Fermanagh & South Tyrone UUP Assembly Candidate.