International Women's Day - Irish Women in Political Life

Today on the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, we need to reflect on the representation of Irish women in political life. So much progress for women has been achieved since 1911, for example Irish women now benefit from improved equality legislation and protection following Ireland's accession to the EU. However, that only 15% of the 163 seats of the next Dáil are filled with women poses many questions about real equality and representation in Ireland and Europe.

Across the EU one hundred years later, 17% of women are ranked in the poverty bracket; women earn 17.8% less than their male counterparts; only 3% of women are heading up large companies; women are concentrated in low-paid and part-time jobs; women account for the vast majority of lone parents and undertake most of the unpaid care work and a very high percentage are still subjected to domestic violence.

Irish female representation in national public office is extremely low when compared with the low EU average of 24% of women representatives across 27 national parliaments. Women in the European Parliament fare better and represent 35% of MEPs.

We need to become more excited about the values and skills that women bring to politics and business. In order for true representation to become a reality we need to invoke temporary quotas to kick-start the process of true representation. Rwanda for example with the help of quotas is the only Parliament in the world with equal representation.

Political parties have given commitments to increase female representation. The most recent result at 15% demonstrates that these commitments have not worked! NUI Graduates have however one more immediate opportunity before the end of April in the Seanad election to help elect capable representative women.

There are four women candidates out of 27 running on the NUI panel. Since the history of our State only TWO women have been elected onto this panel in the Seanad. Helena Concanon born in 1878, elected in 1933, politician, historian, author and professor of history in UCG and Gemma Hussey, born in 1938, elected in 1977 who then went onto become Minister of Education. This fact is embarrassing for a modern State.

You have an opportunity to balance the scales for women's representation. Make your vote count!