Siptu National Women's Forum Conference - the Myth of Equality – Mar '07

The Siptu National Women’s Forum conference was held early in March. The Legislation and Social Affairs Officer with ICTU, Esther Lynch, was quoted as saying that women should challenge the 'child bar' as they previously did the 'marriage bar'. She said that it was a myth that women had achieved equality, and that, in fact, most of the decision-makers in Ireland are men. Ms Lynch pointed out that while only 14% of TDs are women, 95% of secretary generals in Government Departments are men.

Ms Lynch highlighted recent statistics showing that women were behind men in the numbers in employment, in promotions, and in pay. She was quoted as stating that the 14% pay gap between women and men's hourly pay increased with age, and that women in the 55-64 age group earned on average only 53% of men’s income. Further, she explained, only a quarter of working women over the age of 35 had a third-level qualification, and she stressed that second-chance education had to become a reality for older women.

Ms Lynch explained that women were working shorter hours when they had children because of childcare costs and because work environments were not very supportive of parents. She pointed out that this was having an impact on promotions for women. In light of these issues, she suggested that mandatory paid parental leave for fathers, as well as legislating for the right to flexible working arrangements should be considered.

Given the changes implemented in Irish law over the last 10 years in particular, matters in relation to women in the workplace are likely to evolve and be addressed by the Government in the future. Graphite HRM will update clients as important developments arise.