News and Events

The launch of the National Strategy for Women and Girls took place in Dublin on 18 November 2025. It was attended by representatives of government and civil society organisations working in areas related to gender equality. In addition to Minister Foley and the EIGE Director, the event was addressed by:

• Hope and Sheenagh, delegates from the National Youth Assembly on Gender Equality.
• Lynne Cantwell, former Irish rugby international and current Head of Women’s Strategy in the IRFU. Ms. Cantwell holds the record as the most capped Irish Women's player with 86 caps to her name.
• Joanne O’Riordan, activist for people with disabilities, a motivational speaker and a sports columnist with The Irish Times. Ms O’Riordan was named Young Person of the Year 2012 and appears in the 2013 documentary, No Limbs No Limits.
• Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy, 2025 BT Young Scientist winners. Their project called 'Aid Care Treat', is a medical assistance app designed to support emergency healthcare response.
• The Lighthouse Project Choir from Ballymun in Dublin also performed at the launch event.

Links to the speeches delivered by Minister Foley and Minister Naughton, together with a full press release, can be found below:

• Speech by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley at the launch
• Press release