Celebrating 40 Years of Feminism in Galway
Published: Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Celebrating 40 Years of Feminism in Galway
Women in the West of Ireland meet today, in an event hosted by National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) to examine progress in women's rights since Ireland joined the EU 40 years ago in 1973, the same year as the establishment of NWCI.
Orla O'Connor, Director of NWCI said,
'We are holding this event to give NWCI and women in the West of Ireland an opportunity to meet and share experiences and views on women's progression through the decades. NWCI's Anniversary coincides with the 40th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the EU which gave a significant boost to women's rights.'
'Today there is a renewed interest. Taxing maternity benefit, the State's apology to the Magdalene women, the forthcoming X Case legislation and the potential changes to the Constitution regarding the Article on women in the home – these are all issues that affect women and men in Ireland today.'
Orla O'Connor stated,
'On our 40th anniversary we want to celebrate the achievements of the women's movement in Ireland. In 1973 only 36% of students enrolled in third level education were women. Today half of students in third level education are women, with 57% of the third-level graduates being women. The lifting of the marriage bar in 1973 meant that women's labour force participation rose from approximately 30% to over 50% today."
"But let's also not forget about the important challenges that remain. Our Dail still only has 16% female TDs and only 9% of women sit on the boards of our top private companies. Fewer than 1 in 4 voices on our news and current affairs radio belong to a woman. A significant number of women still depend on their partner's income and beyond child benefit have no income of their own. And women in Ireland still do not have access to full reproductive rights.'
Rachel Doyle, Head of Outreach, NWCI added,
'NWCI and our more than 160 members play a crucial role in bringing women together to highlight inequalities and develop effective solutions. Our 40th anniversary therefore is also a renewed invitation to women and men to join the campaign for women's rights and equality. But we also call on our government to live up to their commitments and place women's equality at the heart of the struggle for change in this country. '
'This meeting in Galway is about identifying local action that can be taken here and throughout towns and cities across Ireland to address the serious and often hidden inequalities that exist between women and men. We are delighted to have a wide range of speakers from human rights, business, political, migrant, Traveller and feminist student backgrounds to speak at our event.'
What: 40 Years of Membership in the EU, 40 Years of NWCI: Where are we now
When: Thursday, 30th May, 10:30 am – 2 pm
Where: Harbour Hotel, Galway
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For further information, please contact Rachel Doyle, Head of Outreach, NWCI,
Tel. 0878659721