Mná le Chéile Hustings Event
2 April 2025
Mná le Chéile, in collaboration with the Southeast Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force (SERDATF), hosted a pre-elections hustings event in Kilkenny. This gathering brought together political representatives, service providers, and people with lived and living experience, to discuss the systemic inequalities affecting women and mothers to push for real change in gender-responsive policies.
Centering ‘Invisible’ Voices
The event began with a two-hour session where we co-created the questions to be put to the political candidates. This ensured that the voices of those most affected were at the forefront of the conversation.
Political Engagement & Accountability
The Hustings itself, held in the afternoon, provided a platform for political candidates to respond to these pressing issues. Candidates were asked to outline their commitments to trauma-informed and gender-responsive services, as well as broader systemic reforms that would empower women to thrive rather than just survive.
A Call to Action
This event was not just a discussion—it was a step toward accountability with a powerful platform for women and the community to voice their concerns and have the ear of local candidates. Mná le Chéile will continue advocating for meaningful policy change, using the insights from this event to shape future strategies and hold political leaders to their commitments. Together, we are driving meaningful change and ensuring that our voices are heard. All candidates confirmed their willingness to work with Mná le Chéile to ensure their policies are developed with lived and living experience front and center.
