Events take place around the country to mark the centenary of International Women's Day.
President Mary McAleese was in Dublin with the Women's Council of Ireland to launch a Charter for Equality. The president points out that female TDs (Teachtaí Dála) make up only fifteen percent of the 31st Dáil.
At the National Library of Ireland, tributes were paid to women who lived in a time of great inequality but fought for change.
Gender equality is an ongoing struggle, says Susan McKay, CEO of the Women’s Council of Ireland. The gender pay gap and gender inequality in politics and the workforce are still realities, but much progress has been made over the last one hundred years.
We are on our way, and that’s the message of a day like International Women’s Day.
The next generation reflected on the changes they would like to see in society. A different and more equitable Ireland, say transition year students from St Vincent’s Secondary School in Dundalk, and more women in politics.
Employers were urged today to adopt new guidelines to help recognise the signs of domestic abuse.
The guidelines were drawn up by Adapt Refuge Services in Limerick and Clare Haven services in Ennis, and have been welcomed by employer groups, who say the initiative has advantages for them and for the victims of domestic abuse.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 March 2011. The reporter is Eimear Lowe.
