Texts and emails, Wednesday 6 January 2010

Topic: On the Occasion on "Nollaig na mBan", Vincent and the Panel examine womens' issues and where the womens' movement is now.

Panellists: Ailbhe Smyth of UCD, Head of the National Womens' Council Susan McKay, Noirin Hegarty, editor of the Sunday Tribune and activist and community worker Lisa Marie Berry. 

The flexible working conditions (i.e. flexi hours & working from home) I had for many years in my last job, suddenly were no longer available to me when I returned from maternity leave. Coincidently the company were making people redundant at the same time and I felt that by removing this flexibility, my employer were trying to encourage me to leave over having to make people (e.g. men and childless women) who can be more committed to the job, redundant. This new working arrangement indeed resulted in my departure.

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Boys realise from a very young age that they have the upper hand as they live in a man's world. They still actually try to oppress young educated women by brainwashing them into believing and internalising that domesticity is the ultimate goal. This is a genius diversion and controlling mechanism.

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My experience of woman bosses is they treat other women v badly. Give me a male boss any day. From a woman who has worked in 20+ organisations.

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Hi Vincent. Well done on such an enlightening approach 2 women going 4ward in politics. Also refreshing 2 c this young woman Lisa Marie pushing her issues on community councils etc. 

Marie Gregg, Ringsend.

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I’m a woman & I cringe at this poor us attitude. Maybe women aren't in positions of power because they don’t want to be! We don’t need to be enabled to do anything, what an insult, we are perfectly capable of achieving anything we want without being given a leg up or having men empower us!! If you want it go out and get it.

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I feel so lucky to be a woman in modern Ireland. It would be great if the ladies on the panel focussed their obvious passion and energy on the women in places such as Africa and the Middle East who suffer real oppression every day.

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In a multi racial country why do you only have all white women on the panel? 

Miriam.

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I would like to say that I have great admiration for Peter Robinson and his approach to his difficulties and hope his wife and family will be happy for many a year what a start to 2010 with laying down of arms by the paramilities I commend them and anyone involved as Peter Robinson said may 2010 be a happy and peaceful year for everyone happy new yr to everyone.

Gerry Moorhead, Hacketstown.

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Do the panel think that WOMEN place less value now on women in the home? I feel there is less respect for this role. Wish I had a choice 2 stay at home. I feel what i do at home is more important 2 society as a whole - being there 4 children. Especially teenagers, elderly neighbours, community work.

Ailish McGrath.

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Women are at the mercy of decisions made by men with regard to pay on maternity leave. Only women working in the public sector are guaranteed paid maternity leave, whereas those in the private sector or self employed are only entitled to circa 1000 euro from the state a month. Maternity benefit should be proportional to the average tax paid in the previous 3 years. This would encourage entrepreneurial spirit in young women and be far more equitable. It is insulting that only women who choose stereotypical careers such as nursing or teaching get the best paid maternity leave. 

Ciara, Dublin.

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Sexism is institutionalised from age 4... How many of your panel support the Church? That's the first port of call... Any woman who supports the Catholic Church has no right to whinge! 

Eugene, Cork.

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I just switched on to hear the VB panel giggling about blonde hair and lashes. What next nails? Boys? Please! Stop! I’m embarrassed. 

Heather, Dublin. 

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With regard to Noirin Hegarty taking issue that it’s the first time having an all female panel on your programme, tv3’s midday programme has an all female panel every single day and it discusses topical and political issues similar to your programme. Men are never contributors on that programme. 

Dave, Dublin.

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Does Ailbhe know of serious violence/ bullying against men by women in home? These abused vulnerable men don’t want shame of reporting it. 

A J Morris, Tralee.

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What a great panel ... Why only on nollag na mban! And not a grey suit amongst them. Well done.

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I have new found respect for Peter Robinson after today ..... Not easy to speak out openly and truthfully as he did.

Marie, Clare.