Women in work - Society’s attitudes must change

It is still a man’s world in this country, according to a study published yesterday by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

It confirms the understanding that while more women feel compelled to go out to work, they are still under-represented in decision-making employment positions.

The Men and Women in Ireland 2005 study proved that men in this country are still in the dominant position at work, even in jobs where women are in the majority.

It was not within the remit of the CSO to suggest how this might be balanced, or corrected, but it did point to significant areas where the feminine influence is unequal, both in decision-making and on the question of earnings.

There may be a popular image of the high-powered career woman, and to an extent that is true, but in general the gender seems to be concentrated in the traditional sectors of health, education and the civil service.

Even in these fields where they are more predominant, women still lose out when it comes to achieving the top jobs.

In the ultimate decision-making forum in the country the Dáil the CSO found that only 13% of TDs were female, while on State boards and local authorities women only represent between 30% and 20%.

Women are routinely paid less than men and are also at a greater risk of falling into the poverty trap, although the figures also reveal women do enjoy a better longevity.

The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) is quite correct in asserting that inequalities affecting women must be addressed by the Government, especially where they may be balanced by economic measures.

What is badly needed is an attitudinal change in Irish society whereby women can be afforded an equal opportunity to advance their cause.