Sir, - I was one of the women interviewed by your correspondent Victoria White for International Women's Day this year, when she wrote an article on the changing face of feminism. Both she and I were both sporting "bumps" at that time - not our first - and I had already put the brakes on my career to spend more time caring for my children.
While I was gratified by Ms White's article of November 9th, alluding to the challenges and rewards of "stay-at-home" parenting, I was disappointed that she found it necessary to take a swipe at "feminism", and in particular at the National Women's Council .
I am a feminist and a "stay-at-home parent" and I would like to say that I have always received support and affirmation from other feminists, women and men.
However, my decision was a personal one to my family and what Ms White seems to be missing is that many women are not making the choice we have made. Rather, they are confined to the home because of the State's abysmal failure to provide adequate support for working parents. I applaud any organisation which draws attention to this.
Why is it necessary for some journalists to contribute to the feminist backlash by giving the impression that women's organisations which have a real and radical commitment to improving the lives of all women are somehow against "women in the home"?
As I said to Ms White at the time of our interview, I believe that all mothers work "in the home". So-called working mothers are those who spend time working in the outside world as well! Best wishes to Victoria and to parents everywhere! - Yours, etc.,
Emma Byrne-MacNamee, Swallowbrook View, Dublin 15.