29/01/2008

Childcare Vital For Rural Women's Work Prospects

Women who live in the countryside need to make the most of new opportunities for vocational training and reskilling.

According to Assembly Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew, rurally-based women have a major contribution to make to their local economy.

The minister also said the provision of accessible, affordable childcare facilities for people in rural communities is long overdue and that her Rural Childcare Stakeholders Group is due to report back soon on that issue.

She told a major women's conference that the new Rural Development Programme 2007-13 would also endeavour to support such initiatives.

"Women can also make a positive and significant contribution by playing an active part in identifying what is needed at a local level," she told the Championing Women conference hosted by the Chief Executives' Forum, Women Chief Executives' Group.

"I am committed to vibrant, sustainable, rural communities of which women are the backbone.

"Those who need further encouragement should get it from not only my department but across government," she said.

(BMcC)






Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

29 April 2002
Trimble launches Lisburn rural development strategy
"Northern Ireland’s rural communities are an essential part of our way of life and must be encouraged and assisted," according to the First Minister, David Trimble.
07 March 2013
NI Businesswomen Celebrated
To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, a publication has been launched which will feature a range of Northern Irish women who have started their own successful businesses. The publication was announced by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill.
13 November 2001
Rodgers launches £80m Rural Development Programme
The Stormont Agriculture Minister Bríd Rodgers has launched a major development programme aimed at injecting £80 million into the heart of Northern Ireland’s rural society.
24 November 2021
NI Faces Childcare Crisis That Could Impact Parent's Ability To Work
Northern Ireland could be facing a childcare crisis which would have a severe impact on parents' ability to work, the Employers for Childcare (EfC) charity has warned.
16 March 2005
Minister announces funding package for women’s sector
Social Development Minister John Spellar has announced short-term funding of £1.1 million to support a number of women’s organisations who are facing financial difficulties.