Women in Irish society are still being marginalised in the 21st century, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy of Focus Ireland said yesterday.
At a conference in Kilkenny called "Women Making a Difference", Sister Stanislaus said practically all the disadvantaged groups contained more women than men.
"This is particularly true of one-parent families, low-income households, the elderly, the homeless, victims of violence and hospital and housing waiting lists," she said.
Sister Stanislaus acknowledged the importance of women taking part in political life but said more could be done to assist them.
"We have excellent female politicians at all levels but the number of women in politics is still disconcertingly low," she said.
"It is predominantly women who are involved in local and voluntary activities, in community development, social welfare, education and cultural organisations - the stuff of politics - but this experience of women has not been transferred into the party political structures."
The Government Chief Whip, Ms Mary Hanafin, said change should come from women.
"Almost 40,000 women ran the mini-marathon this year for various charities because they are socially aware and active, yet this doesn't translate into party politics, with only 22 women elected to the current Dáil," Ms Hanafin said.
"Female political representatives must encourage other women to enter the field by talking to them and get them in touch with other women in similar situations."
Ms Monica McWilliams MLA, joint leader of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, said the media had a role to play in changing the face of politics.
"Despite their equal opportunities policies, time and again you see all-male political panels and the absence of women from constitutional debates.
"I had to take time to ensure the press would cover our policy positions at the talks rather than focusing on our reaction when men in politics behave badly," she said.
Ms Mary Kelly, deputy chairwoman of the National Women's Council, said the responsibility for change lay with political parties.
It was their responsibility "to assist women in making the journey to success in political life. The silence is deafening at present."