Advertisement

News

Gender Equality Referendum On 'Women In The Home' To Be Held In November

A referendum on gender equality will be held in November. The government has confirmed it will campa...
Caoimhseach Connolly
Caoimhseach Connolly

9:40 AM - 8 Mar 2023



Gender Equality Referendum On...

News

Gender Equality Referendum On 'Women In The Home' To Be Held In November

Caoimhseach Connolly
Caoimhseach Connolly

9:40 AM - 8 Mar 2023



A referendum on gender equality will be held in November.

The government has confirmed it will campaign to remove wording in the constitution which references 'women in the home'.

The proposed new wording will be revealed by the government by June after an inter-departmental group on the issue will be set up this month.

Education Minister Norma Foley, says the constitution needs to reflect the world we live in today.

"If we truly believe that there's equality of opportunity for all, I don't believe that there's any one role that should fall exclusively on women.

"Equally, I don't feel that that's a fair reflection of what's happening in society today.

"Wonderful carers in our homes and in society, are men and women, and it's just to reflect that, to reflect the world in which we live today".

The Citizen's Assembly recommended in 2021 that articles 40 and 41 of the Constitution should be amended to refer explicitly to gender equality and non-discrimination.

Article 41.2 states:

"In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.

The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home."

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, says he hopes a referendum will help reduce discrimination and violence against women.

“For too long, women and girls have carried a disproportionate share of caring responsibilities, been discriminated against at home and in the workplace, objectified or lived in fear of domestic or gender-based violence.



Read more about

Article 41.2 Citizens Assembly Constitution Gender Equality Referendum Women In The Home

You might like