Sir, - A. Leavy (March 14th) believes we should have more women in politics and suggests that if we "ladies" vote for women the problem will be solved. However, the very recent report on the issue, launched by the National Women's Council of Ireland, shows it is not that simple and depends on intervention from the top to reach down to the bottom of decision-making bodies.
Those countries which have implemented gender quotas of around 60:40 (don't worry, "gentlemen", this means neither gender can slip below 40 per cent) have managed to change the gender balance in decision-making. In this way they have ensured that democracy is truly represented and that women, who make up 50 per cent of the population, are represented in making decisions that affect society.
Here in Ireland we rank below Europe, Asia, the Americas and sub-Saharan Africa when it comes to women's parliamentary representation. We come 59th out of 120 nations.
When we look at the figures in my own area we find that the gender balance both for Cork County Council and Cork Corporation is 87 per cent male and 13 per cent female, only slightly below the national average.
The Southern Health Board, to take only one of the institutions where Government has discretionary powers to appoint, is composed of 94 men and six women. Other similar institutions are just as bad. This is not a democratic representation and shows a lack of fair play and opportunity for women.
Quotas must be implemented at all levels, accompanied by monitoring and publicly accountable procedures. Throwing the ball back into our court by advocating that "ladies" vote for women is not the answer. - Yours, etc.,
Catherine Naji, Cork Women's Political Association, Montenotte, Cork.