Kathleen Lynch TD : Barriers to women's participation in workforce must be tackled

Issued : Friday 13 November, 2009



Kathleen Lynch TD Labour's Spokerperson for Equality highlights womne's participation in the workforce and how women still face barriers.





Today's ESRI/ Equality Authority into female participation in the Irish labour market is a real eye opener.



According to the report some progress has been made in the nature and level of women's participation in the labour market, but there are significant areas that remain major causes for concern.



While economic growth between 1997 and 2008 resulted in increased numbers of women in the workforce, it is not the case that the rising tide lifted all boats to the same extent. The low rate of increase for mothers of young children for instance and the levelling off of participation rates among lone parents over this period, are of particular concern.



The indication in the report that women are substantially under-represented at higher levels within occupations does not really come as a surprise, but is no less alarming for that.



While women may have made inroads into some traditionally male occupations, I would be concerned that the level of segregation remains high as evidenced by the finding that 63 per cent of women are concentrated in just five occupational categories.



There are clear policy implications that arise as a result of this report.



Childcare is a massive concern for mothers of young families and the recent finding that the cost of childcare, as a proportion of earnings, is higher in Ireland than in any other OECD country highlights the problems that many women are facing. I believe that if we are serious about breaking the poverty cycle by making it easier for single parents to become economically independent, we need to find meaningful childcare solutions that will provide an affordable service for these women.



This report highlights the positive impact that educational attainment and access to meaningful training opportunities have in improving women's prospects in the labour market. There is a particular need, from the point of view of both the women and of the greater economy, for a concerted effort to improve the quality and quantity of education and training opportunities, especially for young mothers, and for women returning to work.