Panel talk to mark 100 years of female suffrage

A CENTURY after women in Ireland were given the right to vote, a lunchtime discussion taking place today (Thursday) at County Hall will pose the important question ‘ how far have we come’.

The event, which is being held to mark International Women’s Day, will see a panel of guest speakers look at the role women play in the modern social and political order, both in Ireland and internationally.

Author Denyse Woods will chair the discussion which will address a number of pertinent topics that will look at, among other things, the level of engagement of women in traditional politics, in democracy and in the wider social system.

Joining her on the panel will be Fiona Finn, the chief executive of the Irish Immigrant Support Centre (NASC); Rola Abu Zeid, lecturer in women’s studies UCC’ Liz Maddox, chair of County Cork’s Older People’s Network and respected journalist Collette Sheridan.

A spokesperson for Cork County Library said the event promised a fascinating insight into the role women play in society 100-years after winning the right to vote.

“In the context of that historic victory and the sacrifices that were made to achieve it, a reflection on the roles of women in society today is timely,” said the spokesperson.

“The event, one of a number the Cork County Library will be holding to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage over the course of 2018, will take place, appropriately, in the Council Chamber at 12.30pm.”

Admission is free but needs to be prebooked by contacting 021 454 6499 or corkcountylibrary@corkcoco.ie.