Gender Equality Committee to discuss the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality with the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House between 09:30-12:30 and will be divided into two sessions.

09:30 - 11:00: Recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality regarding Norms & Stereotypes and Education (recommendations 26-31) with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD.

11:00 - 12:30: Recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality regarding Norms & Stereotypes and Education (recommendations 26-31) with representatives from The Irish Universities Association, The Technological Higher Education Association and The Union of Students in Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Ivana Bacik said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss the recommendations of the report regarding norms, stereotypes and education for the first time with the Minister and higher education and student representative organisations.”

“Traditional gender norms and stereotypes play a significant role in perpetuating gender inequality and the Oireachtas resolution recognised this, asking the Assembly for recommendations which would challenge the remaining barriers and social norms and attitudes that facilitate gender discrimination.”

“The Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality has called for continuing professional development for staff that promotes gender awareness and gender-sensitive teaching methods, reform of the Third Level grants system to extend eligibility to those who work part-time, and strengthening of programmes to encourage women into male-dominated careers, and men into female-dominated careers.”

“The higher education sector has made significant progress in gender equality, through the development and implementation of Gender Equality Action Plans, and new leadership structures.

“We look forward to discussing the challenges and opportunities regarding the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly report with representatives.”

Read the report and its recommendations in full here.

Watch the Committee live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.