Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has published the first Action Plan under the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025–2030. The living plan, covering 2026–2028, details how pledges in the strategy will be delivered, names the Departments and agencies responsible for each action, and establishes processes to monitor progress.

The National Strategy for Women and Girls is a whole-of-Government initiative aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and girls of all ages and backgrounds and levelling the playing field across society.

Key early actions include:

- Expanding initiatives to increase women's representation in local politics, including rolling out Regional Women's Caucus Networks across all local authorities and launching a new political participation campaign (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

- Introducing a Parents Leave Pay Related Benefit (Department of Social Protection and Department of Children, Disability and Equality)

- Reviewing the school uniforms circular to assess affordability, comfort and sustainability (Department of Education)

- Providing new training for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners to promote equal opportunities for girls in STEM-related activities (Department of Children, Disability and Equality)

- Developing impactful, evidence-led public awareness campaigns to change attitudes and prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (Cuan)

Alongside the plan, Minister Foley announced a new €1 million funding call to support projects that help women enter, return to and progress in the workforce, strengthen skills development, and contribute to a more inclusive, resilient economy. Application details will follow in the coming weeks.

Minister Foley said: "I am delighted to publish the first Action Plan under the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025–2030.

"While significant progress has been made, many women and girls continue to face barriers that affect their opportunities, wellbeing and full participation in society.

"I am also pleased to announce a new €1m funding call that will support organisations in helping women overcome barriers to employment, return to the workforce and access new opportunities. "Together, these actions reaffirm our commitment to creating a more equal Ireland and ensuring that every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive."

Further measures in the Action Plan include:

- A multi-media recruitment campaign specifically targeting women (Defence Forces)

- Recruitment drives targeting women in An Garda Síochána and the Irish Fire Service (Department of Justice and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)

- A review of flexible working provisions under the Work Life Balance Act (Department of Children, Disability and Equality)

- Commissioned research on reducing exposure to violent and extreme pornography (Department of Justice)

- Support for initiatives such as #andshecycles to encourage cycling, walking and other active travel among women and girls (Department of Transport)

- Legislative proposals to introduce pregnancy loss leave for those who experience pregnancy loss before 23 weeks' gestation (Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment)

- Greater visibility of positive women role models in sport — including coaches, coach developers and technical officials — highlighted at major events, including traditionally male-dominated competitions (Sport Ireland and Department of Culture, Communications and Sport)

- Increased community-based social care supports to help older women living alone remain at home (Department of Health)

- Implementation of the Gender Balance on Listed Corporate Boards Regulations, requiring a relevant company to ensure 40% of all non-executive directors are of the underrepresented sex (Department of Children, Disability and Equality)

The publication marks a significant milestone in advancing equality between women and men, and supports Ireland's commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The Action Plan was developed in collaboration with the National Women's Council.

The full Action Plan is available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/national-strategy-for-women-and-girls-action-plans/