Madam, - As the theme for International Women's Day 2006 is celebrating women's leadership, it is not surprising that the Irish Girl Guides are celebrating with particular pride this year. This is because Irish women are currently at the forefront of the world's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women.IGG's Elspeth Henderson is chairman of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and Diane Dixon is chair of the Europe Region. WAGGGS represents 10 million members and is active in 145 countries.
We have come a long way in the past 20 years in reducing gender inequalities in Ireland but there is much work to be done. There is still a significant pay gap. In the private sector men still earn 23 per cent more than women. And when 51 per cent of the population are female it just doesn't make sense that only 13 per cent of our TDs are women.
Our leadership is constantly working towards empowering girls and women to make a positive contribution to their own communities. By fostering leadership skills the Irish Girl Guides are encouraging the next generation to become the leaders of tomorrow.
With membership numbers rising, The Irish Girl Guides look forward to continuing to enable girls and women of all ages to fulfil their potential as active citizens of Ireland, Europe and the wider world. - Yours, etc,
SUSAN GRIFFIN, Public Relations Officer, The Irish Girl Guides, 27 Pembroke Park, Dublin 4.