Ireland has unveiled a major new roadmap for gender equality, with gov.ie confirming the launch of the first Action Plan under the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025–2030. Announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley, the plan sets out how Government departments and public bodies will turn long-term commitments into measurable action between 2026 and 2028.
The new framework is designed to tackle barriers still faced by women and girls across Irish society, from employment and politics to education, health and safety. It also comes with a fresh €1 million funding call aimed at helping women overcome obstacles to joining or returning to the workforce.
gov.ie Action Plan sets out how equality commitments will be delivered
The first action programme under the national strategy is described as a living document, meaning it can evolve as priorities and outcomes are reviewed. It names the departments and agencies responsible for delivery and creates a structure for monitoring progress.
This whole-of-government approach links a wide range of public bodies, including the Department of the Taoiseach, Social Protection, Education, Health, Justice, Transport, Defence, and Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Agencies and institutions such as An Garda Síochána, Sport Ireland and other state bodies are also expected to play a role in implementation.
- support for more women in local politics through Regional Women’s Caucus Networks
- a new Parents Leave Pay Related Benefit
- a review of school uniform rules with a focus on affordability, comfort and sustainability
- training for early years educators on equality of opportunity for girls in STEM activities
- awareness campaigns to prevent domestic, sexual and gender-based violence
Employment support and workforce participation
A central part of the announcement on gov.ie is the new €1 million funding call to help organisations support women into employment. The measure is expected to back projects that improve skills, reduce practical barriers and widen access to work opportunities, aligning with the priorities of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Social Protection.
Further details on how the scheme will operate are due in the coming weeks, but the funding is positioned as part of a broader push to build a more inclusive economy.
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Key measures across politics, education, justice and health
The plan stretches well beyond employment. In politics, Housing, Local Government and Heritage will support efforts to increase women’s participation in local democracy. In schools, Education will examine uniform guidance, while children and childcare supports will address equal access to STEM learning from an early age.
Other notable commitments include:
- targeted recruitment campaigns for women in the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the fire service
- a review of flexible working provisions under the Work Life Balance Act
- research into reducing exposure to violent and extreme pornography
- support for active travel initiatives encouraging women and girls to cycle and walk
- legislative proposals on pregnancy loss leave before 23 weeks’ gestation
- greater visibility for women role models in sport through Sport Ireland
- improved community supports for older women living alone through Health services
The strategy also supports corporate leadership reform through gender balance requirements on listed company boards, reinforcing a wider national push toward equal representation.
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Why this gov.ie announcement matters
This gov.ie publication marks an important step in translating policy into delivery. Developed with the National Women’s Council, the 2026–2028 plan supports Ireland’s obligations under the UN Sustainable Development Goals and CEDAW, while giving the public a clearer picture of who is responsible for change.
For readers tracking the work of the Revenue Commissioners, Health Service Executive (HSE), Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), National Transport Authority (NTA), IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Central Bank, CSO and other state institutions, the significance is clear: equality policy increasingly depends on coordinated action across the public sector, not one department acting alone.
In short, the gov.ie Action Plan is more than a policy statement. It is a delivery framework with funding, timelines and accountability built in. If implemented effectively, it could help reshape access to work, public life, education and safety for women and girls across Ireland.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
