Seven out of ten victims of poverty are women.

A seminar in Dublin will discuss the problem today, and the impact economic inequality is having on women. Speakers from an International, European and Irish perspective highlighted the detrimental impact austerity and growing economic inequality are having on the lives of women.

It's being organised ahead of a high-level conference in February entitled 'A Woman's Place is in the World'.

Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland said: “Equality for women is not just about numbers and quotas – or only women themselves. It is a society-wide issue. As the gap between the richest 1% and the rest of us becomes wider, gender equality is at the heart of this challenge.

"Inclusive economic growth requires policies that close the gap between men and women, as well as between rich and poor. Until we have a zero tolerance approach to inequality between men and women, we will all lose out.”

Speaking about the situation in Ireland, Alice-Mary Higgins, Policy and Campaigns Officer with NWCI stated: “We now see the full consequences of austerity measures during recent years. 63% of lone parents in Ireland are experiencing deprivation according to latest SILC data.

"ESRI figures show that women in couples experienced a 14% drop in income compared with 9% for men during the recession. And recent figures from the CSO tell us that 50% of all women workers are now earning €20,000 or less."

She spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the findings: