In April 1914, a meeting was convened at Wynn's Hotel, Dublin, its object being to act in accordance with and as a counterpart to the Irish Volunteer Movement. It had been deemed opportune to organise the Women of Ireland - they were a necessary adjunct. Close on one hundred women were present. Miss Agnes O'Farrelly, M.A., presided and in the course of her address stated that the organisation would keep on touch with the men's volunteer movement and help to arm them. A circular was distributed at the meeting stating its objects:
The direction of branches was to be carried out by a Provisional Committee, such branches to be formed throughout Ireland. A footnote stated - 'Women of Irish birth or descent alone are eligible.'
Thus was established 'Cumann na mBan' whose headquarters were at 6, Harcourt Street, Dublin. Then began a campaign of publicity resulting in a great response and branches were formed throughout the whole country.
Lil Conlon, Cumann na mBan and the women of Ireland, Kilkenny,
1969, p.8. Reprinted in Margaret Ward, In their own voice; women and Irish nationalism, Cork, 2001, p. 50.
Object -
To obtain for women the Parliamentary Franchise on the same terms as it is, or may be, granted to men.
Methods -
The object of the League shall be promoted by -
1. Action entirely independent of all political parties.
2. Vigorous agitation upon lines justified by the fact that women have at present no voice in the making of laws under which they live.
3. The organising of Irishwomen to enable them to give full expression to their desire for political freedom.
4. Education of public opinion by public meetings, debates, demonstrations, distribution of literature, deputations to public representatives, and such other methods as may appear necessary.
Members - Women of all shades of political opinion, who approve of the principle, object and methods of the League shall be eligible as members.No member can support any candidate at a Parliamentary Election who is opposed to Women's Suffrage.
Associates - Men who approve of the principle, object and methods of the League shall be eligible as Associates.
Subscription - The minimum annual subscription for both members and asssociates shall be One Shilling, due on January 1st.
Government - The League shall be governed by a Committee elected annually by ballot of all the members. The Committee has power to remove the name of any member or associate from the register without assigning any reason: subscription of said member or associate being duly returned.