Could 2014 be the year that women are put at the centre of societal change?
Published: Monday, January 06, 2014
Today on Nollaig Na mBan- a day when traditionally women sat back and let the men take over the housekeeping duties - the National Women’s Council of Ireland have asked government and society to look at 2014 as a year when women will be placed at the very centre of societal change.
Director Orla O’Connor said that on reading the personal stories in “Inspiring Women – Inspiring Stories” a NWCI publication published today which tells the story of 14 women – mainly mothers and daughters, she was struck both by how life has changed in just one generation but also how many issues remain the same for Irish women.
“I believe 2014 offers many opportunities to change the balance of power between women and men especially in the political arena. The May elections will need to result in significantly more women elected to local government if the parties are to meet the quota for the general elections in 2016. Furthermore, in terms of the Oireachtas cultural change into how the Oireachtas works needs to be at the centre in any reform programme. Strong leadership is needed to bring about more family friendly structures and ways of working that are fitting for modern society.” Said Ms O’Connor.
She continued “2014 also brings the opportunity of a referendum on removing Article 41 from our Constitution. This article ascribes to women a life within the home, and defines women as mothers. The Constitutional Convention voted to support the NWCI recommendation to remove the article and replace it with an article recognising the importance of care in our society for men and women.”
Concluding Ms O’Connor said that she very much welcomed the resurgence in interest in feminism in Ireland evidenced by a growth in membership of the NWCI and the numbers of young men and women signing up for the Y Factor – a project empowering and supporting young people to become leaders for women’s equality.
“I feel this is a real indication of the type of society that Irish people want to move towards and also how vital the value of feminism is in shaping our country’s future. Today on Nollaig na mBan, we look forward to many more joining us in taking a proactive role to ensure that the attainment of women’s rights and equality is at the centre of positive change in our society.”