Archive
Seminar: Can the Law create Social Welfare Reform? Women's economic independence as a right
In May 2006 the NWCI held a seminar to explore how the law can be used to create social welfare reform so that the system is more equitable for women. Experts in the area of human rights, the law and the social welfare system, academics, community organisations and NWCI member organisations gathered together to discuss if steps can be taken to reform the system through the law.
Presentations from this seminarcan be downloaded from our publications section.
Following the seminar, the NWCI decided to look at the potential of taking a legal case on the discrimination against women due to the marriage bar and the consequent implications for pension rights. In preparation for this and in order to keep this issue on the agenda, the NWCI advertised for women to contact the NWCI to tell us their own personal accounts of discrimination as a result of the marriage bar.
Legal Case
The NWCI then began consultations with FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) on the issue of a legal case. FLAC are very interested in the issue of the marriage bar. The NWCI met with them and passed on some of the letters we had received from women around the country. They are at present going through these and are looking at solid grounds for a case. Unfortunately it is a lengthy process and the decision may take some time.
Regional Seminars / Outreach Work
Connecting with women and women's organisations has been a central part of the NWCI Campaign. The Outreach Work has involved women's organisations from Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim and Dundalk.