Diversity in Politics : Recent Episodes
Valesca Lima
Welcome to the Diversity in Politics podcast with Teresa Buczkowska and Valesca Lima. We bring to you the voices and experiences from the migrant community in Ireland as they share their wonderful stories and political knowledge with us. In each episode, we chat with a politician from a migrant background to learn about their experiences. This podcast is dedicated not just to the migrant community but it is really for everyone interested in politics, participation, and elections. Join us if you want to hear how to make Irish politics more inclusive for everyone who leaves here.
In this episode, Teresa Buczkowska and Valesca Lima talk to Thoiba Ahmed, a former independent local election candidate for Letterkenny in co. Donegal. Thoiba is the first Muslim woman to stand for local election to the Letterkenny Municipal District. Thoiba's work has been focusing on the promotion of social inclusion and peace-building work locally as she strives to bring a strong compassionate woman’s voice to her local community. In this chat, we talk about the benefits and challenges of running for office as an independent candidate, her experience as a Muslim woman wearing the hijab in public space, and what's next in the 2024 local elections. Enjoy!
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Michelle Maher, manager of the See Her Elected (SHE) program, a community-led initiative to support women in local government. Michelle has been at the forefront of a new and innovative approaches to supporting rural women in politics. In this very fun chat, we discuss the impact of gender quotas on Irish politics, the challenges for women candidates in rural areas and the most effective strategies to attract more rural women and migrant women into local government in Ireland. Enjoy!
In episode 2, we talk to with Cllr Rane Punam, Fingal County Councillor representing Blanchardstown, Meakstown, Mulhuddart, Tyrrelstown, Hollystown. Cllr Rane started her career in the technology sector and she used to work in investment banking before she started her software technology business. She is a strong supporter of initiatives like Women in Tech and Girls in Tech. She shares some of her experience, stories and wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!
In our first episode, we hadve a great chat with Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi, Mayor of Longford County Council and founder of Founder Longford Africans Network. Uruemu has been a strong role model for women and people from a minority background with her remarkable political trajectory. She shares some of her experience, stories and wisdom in this episode. Enjoy!