poltics 1 gender equality

Confidence

Less likely to put themselves forward – often need to be approached

Less familiar with political world

●Lack visible role models – ‘a man’s world’

●Role of the media

Childcare

Biggest source of difficulty for 67% of women TDs surveyed by Galligan et al(2000)

Long hours’ culture of Oireachtas

●No statutory maternity leave

●Party branch meeting times

Culture

●Masculine behaviour and norms – uncomfortable for women

●At branch level, women often hold supportive rather than leadership positions (Galligan, 2010)

●Holding meetings in pubs, at unsuitable times, etc

Cash

Women’s income in 2008 was around 70% of men’s income and 90% when adjusted (CSO, 2011)

●Unpaid labour - caring for children

●Less access to family finances

●Less access to business/economic networks

What can be done

Childcare plans

●Maternity leave; lone parents allowance

●Changes in social stigmas

Legislation: women could stay on in work after marriage; equal pay; equal opportunities; equality acts; land ownership etc.