Ireland under scrutiny over women’s equality

The UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is today focusing on Ireland as part of its 91st session, which began on Monday and runs until 4 July.

Speaking after addressing the committee on behalf of the government, junior minister Colm Brophy said Ireland had “achieved a remarkable transformation on women’s equality over the past decade”.

He said: “The government plans an ambitious programme of action to promote women’s equality. Today’s appearance before the CEDAW committee has given me the opportunity to put on the record the landmark achievements of the past eight years.

“Much has been achieved already, and I look forward to hearing the committee’s observations on the issues that they view as important.”

Civil society organisations including legal rights group FLAC and the National Women’s Council have also given evidence to CEDAW.

Yesterday, FLAC’s policy and public affairs manager Christopher Bowes said the NGO would highlight the “urgent need for law reform in the areas of legal aid and anti-discrimination law in order for Ireland to achieve gender equality and meet our CEDAW obligations”.

The National Women’s Council has called for the introduction of gender quotas for local election candidates, the development of a public system of early childhood care and education and the delivery of a mother and baby unit for women with severe and complex mental health difficulties who require in-patient support after giving birth. 

CEDAW will publish its concluding observations and recommendations in July.