On this year’s Nollaig na mBan, activists wonder whether rewriting the Constitution will genuinely change the role of women in families.  

January 6th marks Nollaig na mBan, also known as Little Christmas, a traditional Irish celebration that focuses on the role of women in the household.  

Women are expected to be relieved of their duties and leave work to the men.  

Irish Women’s Liberation Movement co-founder Mary Kenny said she recalls when Nollaig na mBan wasn’t a widely known holiday.  

“In Dublin, there was always something of the Pale still and we weren’t embedded with older Irish traditions,” she told The Anton Savage Show.   

“The sixth of January was usually known as Little Christmas, for the Three Kings.  

“I was looking up the Encyclopaedia of Ireland which was published under the government in 2003 and it doesn’t mention it all.  

“It’s lovely to see there has been a revival.”  

Role of women in the home

This year’s Nollaig na mBan comes ahead of a referendum in March to redefine the role of women in the family.

Ms Kenny said she is “amazed” by how much work women still do in the home – and isn’t sure a referendum will change that.  

“The reality is that women still do most of the work in the home and quite often voluntarily,” she said.  

“I'm a terribly bad housewife but I'm kindly invited into homes. I'm astounded by the high quality of housework women still hold themselves to.  

“Can that be changed by changing the constitution? I don’t know.”  

Societal changes, similar attitudes

Singer Mary Coughlan said she has witnessed huge societal changes in Ireland for women, driven by women.  

“I remember everything clearly - the first referendum on divorce, contraception, abortion,” she said.  

“People like Mary Kenny, Mary Robinson, we owe a lot to them, and I think a lot of us don’t realise.”  

She said, however, more needs to change to boost women’s opportunities and autonomy.  

“I have five children and I do see my daughters doing an unbelievable amount of work,” she said.  

“Teaching, working in engineering, having children, doing school runs, they do everything.  

“Not to say the dads don’t chip in, but I have a lot of friends who are grannies now and women are doing an unbelievable amount of work that is unrecognised.”  

'They can't afford to stay at home'

Ms Coughlan pointed out the pressure women face to earn a living to support their family, while also working as a mother.  

“You can’t afford to stay at home,” she said. “You can’t afford to have a home, look after children, and not have a job.  

“If you want to stay at home and look after your children, it should be your right.”  

Ms Coughlan will perform at Nollaig na mBan Festival in north Dublin City tonight. This will include an awards ceremony for local women who have supported the community.  

Women’s Aid has also organised a sea swim with 2,400 people talking part.