Reform of the Social Welfare System

The Irish social welfare system was and still remains characterised by a male breadwinner model system. This system has placed the single earner, couple household at centre based on by male pattern of working full time continuous employment model through the working life. It assigned to women the role of primary carer with limited connection to the labour market. Even where changes have occurred women were continued to be defined by their marital status and in the primary caring role - Deserted Wives - Lone Parents.

The NWCI commissioned research into the development of a women friendly model of the Irish welfare system. 'A woman's model for social welfare reform' was published in 2003 and aimed to :

  • Increase the likelihood of women having independent income from employment or social welfare
  • Access to independent entitlement to pensions
  • Recognition of periodic gaps in the labour market
  • Recognition of parenting and caring
  • Accommodation of atypical forms of work, including part-time work.

NWCI Social Welfare Reform Outreach Campaign 2004 to 2009

The NWCI followed up the 'A Woman's model of social welfare reform' with an extensive outreach campaign which took place on a regional basis from 2004- 2009. The over-riding issue throughout the outreach campaign was the fact that the social welfare system denies women full independence. We are continuing to work for the recognition and establishment of full independent rights for women in all areas of Irish economic, political, social and cultural life.

The reform of the social welfare system is a central feature of the Pre-Budget submissions of the NWCI made to government every year in the lead-up to the Annual Budget.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) brought forward a series of proposals to make reforms to the social welfare system for mothers and published 'Discussion Paper on Proposals for Supporting Lone Parent', the NWCI responded to the paper with its submission - 'The NWCI Submission on DSFA Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents'.

The NWCI continues to campaign at a national level for the implementation of changes in the social welfare system so as to develop a women friendly model and to create a modern social welfare system capable of meeting the needs of a new labour market.