Women In Twentieth Century Ireland

Question 1

define the term suffragette

Answer 1

A woman seeking the right to vote through an organised protest

Question 2

Tell me about education for women in the 20th century

Answer 2

the number of girls attending primary schools had increased in the 1800s due to the efforts of Catholic religious orders but the number of girls attending secondary school remained very low. It was only in 1908 that all universities in Ireland were open to women. In the years afterwards about 10% of university students, women, but we’re only from wealthy and middle class backgrounds.

Question 3

Tell me about employment for women in the 20th century Ireland

Answer 3

In the early part of the 20th century, women were expected to marry and have children. Their husband would provide for them so there is no need for them to work. Some woman worked before they got married but had to give up those jobs on marriage. Middle class women did not work but poorer woman worked as maid, cooks and nannies.

Question 4

Tell me about the change in women’s politics in 20 century Ireland

Answer 4

In 1922 Constitution of the Irish free states gave the vote to all women and men over the age of 21. At this time the voting age for British woman was 30. Very few women were elected to the dáil in the first decade of the state and those who were made very little to no impact. No woman was appointed as a government minister until 1919 when Máire Geoghegan Quinn became minister for the Gaeltacht.

Question 5

Tell me about the position changes for women in 20 century Ireland

Answer 5

By 2000 women made up over 40% of the workforce but were more likely to have low paid positions. A low percentage of employed women had well paying positions. However women did make up 55% of university students in 2000 and were more likely to pursue professional careers in law, medicine, business or education compared to their mothers. In politics, there’s been some progress towards equality. Mary Robinson was elected president in 1990 followed by another woman Mary McAleese and in 1993 Mary Harney became the first woman to lead a political party.