We must create a Constitution fit for the 21st Century
Published: Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Constitutional Convention is meeting to discuss the article on 'women in the home' and to promote women's participation in politics this weekend.
Speaking on the occasion of the meeting Orla O'Connor, Director of the National Women's Council of Ireland said,
'Even in 1937 women cared for their families but also worked on farms or in factories. Article 41.2 never reflected the complexity and diversity of women's lives. This article is long overdue an overhaul to reflect the lives of women in Ireland today.'
She continued,
'The Constitution should recognise care work done in our homes and in our wider society. Most care work is unpaid, and informal, and is still done by women. It is essential social glue without which society would fall apart. The NWCI believes the Constitution should be gender neutral. This means recognising men who are already committed to caring for others. It also means encouraging more men to make a loving choice to provide care and, in so doing, to benefit from the rewards of providing care.'
The Convention is also discussing promoting women in politics in public life.
Ms O'Connor said,
'Women play a crucial role as carers in our homes and communities. These perspectives are not represented in the Dáil, which has only 15% women. The Convention can encourage women and men to become more active citizens, to place a value on the politics done by women in civil society and to give more power to citizens to take decisions about the future of their country. In so doing we will create a Constitution, a society and a Republic fit for the 21st Century which has the support of women across Ireland.'
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For more information, please contact Silke Paasche, Communications Officer, National Women's Council of Ireland, Tel. 085 858 9104.