I am glad to be able to speak on the occasion of International Women’s Day. I know there are statements on it later today, where my colleague Senator Flynn will be speaking on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group. I want to use this time to propose a debate on the conditions faced by women workers. International Women’s Day was originated by Clara Zetkin, the German socialist feminist, in 1910. Clara Zetkin fought for the rights of working-class women, their political rights and their right to economic and personal freedom. She had to battle upper-class feminists and chauvinistic male socialists to advance her cause. She was insistent that for women to be truly free, they needed to be economically independent. I think it is fitting on this day to remember her and to consider the position of women workers in our labour market.

Ireland is a low-pay economy.

A 2021 SIPTU report found that about 20% of Irish workers earn low pay, which is defined as less than two thirds of the median income - 15% is the EU average; that women are more likely to earn low pay; and that almost 23% of women workers receive low pay, compared with 17% of male workers. There are many reasons for this, including gender discrimination, the undervaluing of work done by largely female workforces and the over-representation of women workers in low-wage sectors like hospitality and retail. Women are also disadvantaged by the fact that many of them need to take career breaks or seek out part-time work because of their caring responsibilities. Being a low-wage worker is tough so I call for a debate on the conditions faced by working women. I feel that being a low-wage worker in a very expensive country like Ireland is almost unbearable, especially if you have dependants.