Female achievement marked on International Women's Day
Females across Ireland will today mark International Women’s Day by celebrating the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of those who have made history.
Violence against women, health issues, the gender pay gap and equality will also be highlighted at a range of events being hosted across the capital.
The National Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) is Celebrating Women’s Leadership at the National Library with guest speakers including Caroline Casey, recently appointed Irish Young Global Leader and Founder of The Aisling Foundation and the 02 Ability Awards.
“International Women’s Day is an opportunity for ordinary women from around the globe to appreciate the value of their own contribution to history – this is relevant for women young and old, from all societal groups,” said deputy chairperson of the NWCI Marie Hainsworth.
“In Ireland, many women are still struggling for better pay and work conditions, accessible childcare options and access into the decision-making arena and we still need to unite together to address issues facing us all.
“International Women’s Day gives us this opportunity to come together and this event will be one of celebration and inspiration.”
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions unveiled its agenda for women in the current partnership talks yesterday, addressing low pay for women workers, the low workforce participation of women over 30, pensions, childcare, the right to flexible working and additional paid leave entitlements.
Joanne Delaney, the Mandate shop steward who recently won her battle for reinstatement, having been sacked by Dunnes Stores for wearing a union badge at work, was among those at the reception
And Ireland’s efforts to become a global leader in tackling violence against women and children will also be announced later today by Minister of State for Development Co-operation and Human Rights, Conor Lenihan.
The unique initiative involves resources becoming available to facilitate the training of all Irish development, aid and peace-keeping personnel on gender-based violence before they embark on missions overseas.
The event will coincide with the official opening of Broken Bodies – Broken Dreams, a powerful photographic exhibition documenting violence against women and girls.
The display, in Filmbase, Curved Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, focuses on rape in war, domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and abusive cultural practices. The objective of the exhibition is to raise public awareness in Ireland of the scale of violence against women and children.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Catherine Byrne is hosting a seminar on the theme Women’s Access to Health Services in the Mansion House.
The event is to be opened by Fine Gael party leader Enda Kenny TD, and also be attended by Olivia Mitchell TD, Olwyn Enright TD, Lucinda Creighton, Frances Fitzgerald and Nicky McFadden, who will all contest the next general election for the party.
