Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman began his International Women’s Day address to an empty Dáil Éireann today.

The Green Party TD said it was a “significant day” for Ireland in working towards an “inclusive society” as a small number of TDs made their way into the chamber as the address went on.

International Women’s Day is a global movement that aims to improve women’s rights in areas like gender equality and reproduction – while calling for an end to gender-based violence.

Minister O’Gorman said his department is focused on improving rights so that “everyone can reach their potential” in Irish society.

“In particular, empowering women and girls is a key priority of Ireland’s domestic and foreign policy with an overarching goal of creating a more sustainable society,” he said.

“Though International Women’s Day itself is a day of huge significance, for Government the goal of achieving gender equality is not regulated to a single day every year.

“It is an ongoing and daily priority exemplified by practical measures we have taken to advance gender equality.

"Until gender equality is achieved, democracy is unfinished.”

Recommendations

Minister O’Gorman said a Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality, followed by an Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality, has contributed much to the cause.

“They have given us a clear and sharp focus on the specific measures that we can and must bring forward to advance gender equality,” he said.

“Government is committed to a structured and meaningful response to all recommendations in tackling inequalities wherever they appear in society.”

Minister O’Gorman noted that Friday’s referendums were included in recommendations made by the Citizen’s Assembly and Oireachtas Joint Committee.

He also said a new agency called Cuan, tasked with addressing gender-based violence in Ireland, shows ground is being made in achieving gender equality.

Main image: Equality Minister Roderic O'Gorman in the Dail today. Image: Oireachtas.ie