Twitter has been abuzz in Ireland with hundreds of Irish women (and men) taking to the micro-blogging site to offer their support and ideas for what they feel should be the foundations of a state where equal rights is a standard.
#FeministFutures was started last night by the National Women’s Council of Ireland ahead of its AGM taking place on 11 June, which has as its theme ‘The Future of Feminism’.
According to its statement on the upcoming event “it is more important than ever that we build a new Ireland based on feminist principles”.
A proportion of the women airing their thoughts were quick to point to academia and the technology sector as areas where there remain shortcomings, both in terms of the number of women employed in skilled roles, as well as those in leadership positions.
When academia is as female at the top as it is at undergraduate level. #FeministFutures
— Fiona Kearney (@fionakearney) June 9, 2015
A world where women are encouraged to be leaders, to have their voices heard, to make their own choices #FeministFutures — The Y Factor (@the_yfactor) June 9, 2015
When doing something ‘like a girl’ is not an insult. Proud of everything I do ‘like a girl’ #FeministFutures
— Lynn Boylan MEP (@LNBDublin) June 9, 2015
To be treated equally professionally and personally, without your appearance being under constant scrutiny. #FeministFutures — Siún Ní Dhuinn (@Siuners) June 9, 2015
While others were simply voicing what many people have been saying for many years.
#FeministFutures when women arent expected to automatically take on the child rearing and housekeeping duties
— Sarah Holland (@VoteHollandSF) June 9, 2015
#FeministFutures – To be treated & respected equally. To have control over my body & my decisions for it. To earn an equal wage to a man. — Leanne Woodfull (@LeanneWoodfull) June 9, 2015
When these aren’t the first options when you type feminism! #FeministFutures pic.twitter.com/HHa5w5nK4f
— Samantha Cooney (@SamanthaCooney) June 9, 2015
When women are not ‘ranting’ or ‘nagging’ but rightfully voicing themselves. #FeministFutures — Patrick Dempsey (@patrickmatthewx) June 9, 2015
#FeministFutures is being able to say I’m a feminist without having to explain, defend or argue how gender equality benefits all!
— Dil Wickremasinghe (@DilW) June 9, 2015
I’d like to be able to make decisions about my own body,without being at mercy of someone else’s personal/religious beliefs #FeministFutures — Anne-Marie (@thecailinrua) June 9, 2015
“You like football??….explain offside so…” ? #FeministFutures
— Fiona (@annabellee0) June 9, 2015
The day when people say in disbelief: ‘Jeez, do you remember when women weren’t paid the same as men?’ #FeministFutures — Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) June 9, 2015
And of course, an honourable mention to a particular upcoming event…
Looks like my #FeministFutures is around the corner! @InspirefestHQ SciTech Diversity Conference Dublin June 17/18 – 70% female speakers
— Helen M (@HelsWave) June 9, 2015
Girl superhero image via Shutterstock
Inspirefest 2015 is Silicon Republic’s international event running 18-20 June in Dublin that connects sci-tech professionals passionate about the future of STEM with fresh perspectives on leadership, innovation and diversity.
Women Invent is Silicon Republic’s campaign to champion the role of women in science, technology, engineering and maths. It has been running since March 2013, and is kindly supported by Accenture Ireland, Intel, the Irish Research Council, ESB, Twitter, CoderDojo and Science Foundation Ireland.
