International Womens Day

It's hard to think of Mary Coughlan as a feminist or as any sort of campaigner for womens rights, but when the Tánaiste was heckled in the Dáil last week she responded by claiming that she was a victim of sexism. I don't think the TD who was criticising her was doing it for sexist reasons- his remarks were directed at her, not at women in general. Perhaps she thinks that to attack her is to attack all womankind? It's a definition of sisterhood I haven't heard before.

There is plenty of sexism in Irish politics, but this wasn't an example of it.



It's coming up to International Womens Day.
It's been suggested that it should be a public holiday, but the closeness of St Patrick's day means the date would be awkward. Some people have said that maybe St Brigid's day (February 1st) would be a better date. Ireland has less public holidays than many EU countries, so it's worth considering.

There are many events in Dublin going on to mark International Womens Day, a few that caught my eye are below. Please feel free to add others in the comments or email me to let me know.


Sunday 7 March 2010
 
At the New Theatre · 43 East Essex Street ,Temple Bar · Dublin 2
(Entrance through Connolly Books) admission free For all films
International Women’s Day Film Festival starting at 1.15Pm with
I Was a Teenage Feminist (2005) Directed by Therese Shechter.
When did “feminism” become a bad word? Why is it that young, independent and progressive women today feel uncomfortable identifying with feminism? This film
takes a funny and moving personal journey into the heart of feminism on the
threshold of the twenty-first century. Running time: 62 minutes.

For the rest of the programme of films and more information click here   http://www.progressivefilmclub.ie/

There are two walking tours on March 7th- a Feminist Walking Tour meeting at the Central Bank at 1PM; and earlier in the day, a Historical Walking Tour organised by Dublin City Council, meeting at Traitor's Gate on St.Stephen's Green at 12noon.




On March 8th, Sylvia Meehan is giving a talk at the Library on the Navan Road. The event begins at 6.30PM and is entitled EQUALITY AND ACCESS: A CAMPAIGNING LIFE- From equal pay and childcare provision to ageism and medical cards for the over 70's, Sylvia Meehan has never stopped campaigning. She was recently presented with a 'People of the Year Award 2009'.