The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) has called for a commitment to tackle barriers to gender inequality in education in any new Programme for Government.

IFUT Deputy General Secretary, Joan Donegan, made the call following her attendance at the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW60) in New York, which adopted a resolution calling on states to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education.’

Ms. Donegan said the factors underpinning the continued lack of promotion and unfavourable conditions under which female academics work are systemic.

“The current National Review of Gender Equality in Higher Education, being undertaken under the chairpersonship of Maire-Geoghegan-Quinn, which is expected to report in coming months, illustrates the extent and complexity of issues and barriers facing women in education.”

A number of amendments were made to the draft UN document to ensure that implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals truly reflect the aim to achieve women's social and economic empowerment.

Although the Republic of Ireland is a signatory to the implementation of SDGs we remain unique in having a highly costly and fragmented early childhood care system where childcare is treated as a commodity rather a policy choice to treat childcare as a ‘public good.’ 

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has just published a new study of the problem and, more importantly, how it might be addressed, ‘Who Cares? Report on Childcare Costs & Practices in Ireland.'  The report highlights the low level of public investment in childcare provision in Ireland, by comparison with our European neighbours.

“These are issues that must be examined more closely and as a matter of urgency,” Joan Donegan said.

ENDS

For further information on this media release please contact:

John Gallagher   -   John Gallagher Consulting  -  Tel. 087 9369888