Women Demand Safety from Violence as Key to Equality

During the launch of the Government’s National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030, Minister for Equality Norma Foley highlighted that for many women, feeling safe from violence remains a primary condition for achieving equality with men. This statement underscores the urgent necessity for change in societal attitudes and policies surrounding violence against women.

Safety as a Fundamental Right

Minister Foley described the feedback from consultations as “sobering,” noting that many women identified safety from violence as their most pressing need to feel equal. “Violence against women and harassment of women are urgent problems that have to be faced,” she stated, emphasizing that these issues are not just personal but societal barriers that inhibit women’s participation in various spheres of life.

The newly introduced strategy is designed as a comprehensive government initiative aimed at eliminating all forms of gender discrimination. It encompasses seven key goals, with the foremost being to ensure women can pursue their ambitions and realize their potential across all fields. Other objectives include enabling women to live free from violence and harassment, ensuring equitable economic opportunities, and promoting overall well-being throughout their lives.

Addressing Economic Inequality

The strategy also addresses the persistent gender pay gap, which currently stands at approximately 8.6 percent nationally, with some sectors experiencing significantly higher disparities. Minister Foley announced that mandatory pay gap reporting will extend to all companies with 50 or more employees by the end of this month. As of now, companies can report their gender pay gaps to a designated portal, which will become mandatory next year.

“I believe this publicly available gender pay gap portal will encourage a larger number of employers to meet their legal obligation,” said Minister Foley.

Carlien Scheele, director of the European Institute for Gender Equality, expressed support for the strategy while also pointing out the low uptake of paternity leave among fathers. This trend, she noted, reinforces traditional gender roles and limits women’s economic opportunities. “When men take on care, women have the room to lead. That is a win for us all,” Scheele stated, acknowledging that changing deeply ingrained societal behaviors takes time.

The implementation of this strategy will be guided by two action plans and overseen by a committee that will report directly to the Minister. The government aims to adopt these plans starting next year, with the hope that they will create a more equitable environment for women in Ireland.

As the government moves forward with these initiatives, the emphasis on safety, economic equality, and the dismantling of harmful gender norms marks a significant step toward achieving true gender equality. The commitment to addressing these urgent issues reflects a broader recognition of the challenges women face and the need for systemic change.