Gender-based safety audit sought for public spaces

The safety of women, girls and other genders at risk of gender-based violence in public spaces needs to be examined, says Cllr Mark Hackett of the Green Party.

The North Offaly councillor is calling on Offaly County Council to complete a study of safety in public spaces.

“I want the outcome of this audit to be recommendations which guide future public safety changes and developments,” he said.

“The County Development Plan includes objectives of inclusion based on age and disability but not on gender. It is clear that gender needs to be considered. Women, girls and those of all genders and none need to feel safe in our public spaces. As a man, I can’t have the same understanding of the fear and that is why we need this audit.”

Cllr Hackett has submitted two motions on gender-based safety and representation to the next council meeting and has written to the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Harvey outlining his reasons for doing so.

The motions call for a gender-based safety audit to be conducted and for a requirement for Strategic Policy Committees to invite women with a specific interest or relevant expertise to join in the absence of female elected or sectoral representatives.

“We need to ensure that women’s voices are heard at every decision-making table within the council,” said Cllr Hackett.

“At present there are two Strategic Policy Committees without a woman. I don’t believe that vague commitments to working towards gender balance is good enough when the reality is men-only committees.”