Equality For Women Measure Irish and EU Policy Context Patrick O’Leary Gender Equality Division, Department of Justice and Equality Ashling Hotel, Parkgate St, Dublin 8 Thursday 6 October 2011

Irish Government Policy Irish Constitution Equality Legislation National Women’s Strategy Promote positive action through Equality for Women Measure (EWM)

Dept of Justice and Equality Gender Equality Division Foster the achievement of equality Oversee implementation of National Women’s Strategy Implement Positive Actions through EWM with Pobal Represent Ireland at international meetings and bring home good practice

Legislation Employment Equality Acts Equal Status Acts Acts covering Maternity Leave, Parental Leave and Adoptive Leave National Minimum Wage Act Protection of Employees Acts

NATIONAL WOMEN’S STRATEGY VISION An Ireland where all women enjoy equality with men and can achieve their full potential, while enjoying a safe and fulfilling life. 200 actions under 20 objectives

NATIONAL WOMEN’S STRATEGY KEY THEMES WOMEN IN IRELAND Equalising Socio Economic Opportunity For Women Engaging Women as Equal and Active Citizens Ensuring Women’s Well being

NWS - THEME 1 EQUALISING SOCIO-ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY –Work Increasing nos. of women at work Tackling the gender pay gap Advancing women up the career ladder –Education and women Subject choices Women as principals/professors –Women and caring Childcare, Caring for disabled family members, Elder care –Women and poverty Family wellbeing, Lone parents, Older age, including pensions

NWS - THEME 2 –ENSURING WOMEN’S WELLBEING Work life balance Health, Healthy lifestyles, Sport Health and safety particularly for pregnant and breast feeding women Violence against Women – COSC established to prepare National Strategy Trafficking of Women –Anti-Human Trafficking Unit and new law

NWS - THEME 3 ENGAGING WOMEN AS EQUAL AND ACTIVE CITIZENS Women in decision making State Boards – target of 40 per cent On boards of private companies Politics Support for women in developing countries

EQUALITY FOR WOMEN MEASURE 2007 – 2013 ESF funds to Ireland EU places emphasis on gender equality Department’s role is to try maintain funding, develop & oversee Helped hugely by Pobal Department rely on groups to keep records – finance, statistics, data etc

EQUALITY FOR WOMEN MEASURE 2007 – 2013 Programme of Positive Actions –ESF/Exchequer Grants for activities to support Access to employment – for women outside the labour market and experiencing disadvantage Female entrepreneurship – budding/early stage entrepreneurs Career development – advancing careers –€2.4 million of ESF and Exchequer per annum

EQUALITY FOR WOMEN MEASURE 2007 – 2013 During 2010, over 75 projects were active in supporting the development of women’s economic engagement with 4,700 availing of training Female entrepreneurship – over 200 women have participated in mentoring and development events 41 projects approved under 2011 phase of programme Need to launch Leadership Strand depending on outcome of NWS Sub-Committee and on 2012 funding

INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION European Union – economic perspective Strategy on GE Employment Gender pay gap Women and Decision-making Violence against women United Nations – human rights