Women make up more than half of the voting population in
Northern Ireland. However, according to a 1997 survey carried out by the Equal
Opportunities Commission, 80% of Northern Irish women feel that they are not
being represented by the major political parties. Many felt that women are
being actively ignored.
In response, the Equal Opportunities Commission have
produced a checklist for women voters ahead of the upcoming election. This
checklist is intended to help women and men to scrutinise their politicians and
parties over several key subjects. The issues have been compiled in
consultation with various women's groups. and include: childcare; measures to
counter domestic violence; and reforms to the national curriculum. The
Commission hope that it will mark the beginning of a change in political
attitudes.
This report features interviews with Bríd Rodgers from the SDLP and May Blood from the Labour Party who offer their response to the report and the misconception that politics is a man's domain.