WOMEN constituted Just over a third of ministerial appointees to State boards this year, according to a report on Irish implementation of the Beijing objectives.
The UN Fourth World Conference on Women in November 1995 resolved to "increase women's capacity to participate in decision making and leadership."
The Government's First Report on the Implementation of the Platform for Action said women constituted 34.2 per cent of ministerial appointees to State boards in August 1996. This was twice the level of 1992. The overall membership of State boards was 25.8 per cent female, compared with 15 per cent in 1992.
However, this level is still just over half the minimum target of 40 per cent for female membership of State boards set by the Government in 1993.
The report was published yesterday by the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mr Taylor. He said the Government intended to ensure that the objectives agreed at Beijing were "brought to fruition."
Of the 47 District Court judges, 15.2 per cent are women. At the Circuit Court level 8.3 per cent of judges are women, with 15 per cent of High Court judges. As the one Supreme Court woman judge, Mrs justice Denham represents 12.5 per cent of the total.
One in 10 prison service staff is a woman, while the representation in the Garda ranks is 8.5 per cent.
This year's Domestic Violence Act gives health boards new powers to apply for protection, barring or safety orders on behalf of victims of domestic violence. These powers come into effect from January 1st. According to the report, the Department of Health's Plan for Women's Health will address the health problems of women prostitutes.
The Labour Force Survey figures show a dramatic rise in the level of female employment, with women making up 38.6 per cent. However, this is still below the EU average of 44 per cent.
The report describes the Department of Social Welfare's grant scheme for women's groups as an "important empowerment and positive action measure." And it states that under the PCW all State training agencies and educational establishments agreed to prepare and implement equal opportunities policies.
