With only 23.1% of women in the lower house and 39% in the upper house, Ireland holds the depressing 100th rank in terms of gender equality in politics (UN Women, 2023). An Oireachtas report (2009) identified five (5Cs) barriers; culture, confidence, childcare, cash, and candidate selection to women’s political engagement in Ireland. However, following a decade, academic studies show that further obstacles have arisen, with technical advancements playing a greater role (Courtney et al., 2020; Felle et al., 2020). This study addresses the explicit need to understand contemporary barriers to women’s political engagement in Ireland beyond the “5Cs” by systematically analysing academic studies in the recent decade (2013-2023). Furthermore, this study intends to establish a hypothetical strategy model for tackling women’s political barriers, based on different approaches proposed by previous academics. The methodology for this study is a systematic review of qualitative literature within the last decade (2013-2023). Women’s political participation is critical for any country; to establish role models, for fair representation, to handle women-specific issues, and to renew democratic values (Phillips, 1998). It is also crucial in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal ‘Gender Equality’. Thus, this study will contribute to the current body of knowledge by synthesising the findings of recent studies on women’s political engagement issues in Ireland, making evidence more accessible to policymakers for decision-making. This study will also assist researchers in identifying research gaps and future research directions.
Gender, Irish politics, women, political engagement, barriers
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