Today we are marking International Women's Day, a day to celebrate women's achievements but also to remind ourselves how far we still have to go. In Ireland, women continue to face inequality in ways both visible and hidden. Women earn less than their male counterparts, carry out the bulk of unpaid care work and remain under-represented in politics and leadership. Violence against women is rampant. Since 1997, 277 women have died violently in this State and of those women, 90% were murdered by men known to them. Furthermore, 35% of women in Ireland have experienced psychological, physical or sexual abuse from an intimate partner. A total of 12,050 incidents of domestic violence are reported to An Garda Síochána every week. We must also recognise that gender inequality is experienced unequally across the population. Migrant and Traveller women, as well as women with disabilities and those from the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans women, face additional barriers and discrimination. True equality must be intersectional. No woman can be left behind. As a State, we must do more. Healthcare is failing women. Conditions like endometriosis remain under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-funded, leaving countless women in pain and struggling to live full lives. Childcare remains unaffordable for far too many families, contributing to gender gaps in economic outcomes. We must see progress from the Government on its promise to introduce a €200 cap on childcare costs. We must guarantee fair pay, safe communities that are free from violence, inclusive services and full representation for women in every decision-making space. I cannot speak about International Women’s Day without mentioning our sisters in Palestine. Tá mná na Palaistíne fós ag maireachtáil faoi bhrúidiúlacht agus forghabháil mídhleathach ag stát cinedhíothach. Palestinian women endure the destruction of their communities, the loss of loved ones and the denial of basic rights, but they resist, they nurture, they fight and they demand justice. Their courage is extraordinary. It is our responsibility to witness their struggle and to support them and act on their behalf. Tá tionchar díreach ag an gcogadh ar mhná agus cailíní. Tá a fhios againn go méadaítear an baol foréigin ghnéasaigh agus inscnebhunaithe le linn coimhlintí. Mar sin, ciallaíonn comhionannas inscne go gcaithfidh muid troid ar son na síochána ar an stáitse idirnáisiúnta. When women are free and equal, society as a whole is stronger. Ní saoirse go saoirse na mban.

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