Women’s council highlight importance of free childcare

The National Council of Women (NCW) described the introduction of free childcare centres as an important incentive for more women to join the labour market or further their education.

In a statement NCW said that female entrepreneurship must be given more prominence, as there are many women who just need the right support to kick-start a business.

“Young women need role models and families need a culture change in order to realise that women also need the support to embark on a political, business or professional career.  Women should also be given every opportunity to work if they wish to follow a career, and we are certain that the introduction of free childcare centers will be an important incentive in this regard,” NCW chairperson Mary Gaerty said.

She said that women are finally starting to break the glass ceiling and achieve posts in management, albeit at a slow pace.

The NCW also unveiled the theme for its 50th anniversary, ‘Women - Building Blocks of Society’.

“Governments around the world have realised we are the building blocks of society especially during difficult times. Women rose to meet the challenges through work creation for themselves and others, and this can be seen through the increased number of women entrepreneurs throughout Europe.”