Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2023
123. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide details on the structure and operations of the Civil-Military Defence Women's Network set up in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42553/23]
View answerThe Defence Women’s Network (DWN), a joint civil/military initiative, was officially launched in 2022 following preparation and external training for a volunteer civil and military committee in 2021 provided by an external consultant, Gillian Hartford, Country Executive of 30% Club.
The DWN welcomes anyone working in either the Defence Forces or the Department of Defence, including those operating on a temporary or reserve basis. The DWN also welcome and foster participation and support from male colleagues.
The following sets out the DWN purpose, mission and focus;
Purpose – to connect, engage, inform and inspire you in your career as a woman in the Defence Organisation in Ireland
Mission – For every women in the Defence Organisation to be supported in achieving their fullest potential
Focus - understanding each other. Reflecting my “whole life”, building Networks
The role and remit of the DWN continues to grow and expand, and is open to all grades/ranks across Defence, with the ongoing contribution and support of Secretary General Jacqui McCrum and Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy.
The Network provides a forum for women in both the Department and Defence Forces to come together in a safe space; a forum in which to share the challenges and opportunities experienced in the workplace. This forum allows for an informal but effective mentoring process and support system to evolve and develop for all women in Defence who wish to participate.
There is no membership list per se, as the Network is open to all within the Department of Defence and Defence Forces. The virtual launch was attended by 212 and generally attendance at Network events attracts between 100 to 150 attendees.
2022 marked the first full year of DWN activities which included a variety of events.
These events ranged from networking events at local and national levels, both in-person and hybrid, to sharing of inspiring stories from some of our female leaders, both civil and military, to celebrating milestones such as International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day as well as the creation of a regular newsletter. Speakers ranged from sports personalities to university professors and female advocates.
Funding for the Network events is provided predominantly from within the Departmental budget.
