Constitutional Convention gives a strong mandate for women’s equality

Published: Wednesday, March 13, 2013

At its most recent meeting on 16/17 February, the Constitutional Convention made a series of recommendation to improve equality for women in Ireland.  

An overwhelming majority of the Convention members voted to accept recommendations made by the National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) to amend article 41.2 of the Constitution which refers to women's role being in the home. The NWCI argued for a gender neutral clause which values the work of carers both inside the home and in wider society.

The article in question states:'In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieve. The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to neglect of their duties in the home.'

Only 11 per cent believed the article should remain as it is. But if it were to be changed, 12 per cent were in favour of it being completely deleted with 88 per cent preferring that it be modified. A huge majority – 98 per cent – of delegates said they supported a proposal to alter the article to make it gender neutral and to acknowledge the important role of other carers in the home.

The Convention also made recommendations to improve the participation of women in politics and public life. 97 per cent said they would like to see more government action to encourage greater participation of women in politics and public life. However they fell short of making a recommendation to include a provision in the constitution to require this.

Read NWCI submission  - Encouraging greater participation of women in public life

Read NWCI submission - Clause on women's role in the home