Branches in Fórsa’s Education Division have made history by exclusively nominating women to go for election as divisional officers and executive members.

As a result Fórsa will have its first ever all-female executive whatever the outcome of the ballot, which takes place at the union’s Education Division conference in April.

All branches are entitled to nominate representatives for the roles of divisional Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach, along with divisional executive members. Delegates to the divisional conference then select from the list of nominations.

The executive is then charged with implementing the policies adopted at the conference, and leading the division over the subsequent two years.

Fórsa’s head of education Andy Pike – who also carries responsibility for the union’s equality brief – said it was a fitting development.

“Fórsa’s membership is predominantly female, overwhelmingly so in the education sector. While it’s fantastic to see that reflected in the nominations to the education divisional executive this year, Fórsa must and will continue its work to encourage women to participate at all levels across the union, including these important national committees,” he said.