Hundreds of trade unionists from across the State will gather this evening to gauge the success of efforts to end inequality.
Siptu's National Women's Forum is meeting today in Killarney for a two-day conference marking 2007 as European Union Year of Equal Opportunities for All.
An estimated 300 delegates will debate how much progress has been made in areas such as childcare, healthcare, eldercare and pensions, while also discussing the role of younger and older women in the economy and in trade unions.
Discussion will also include issues around discriminiation on the grounds of age, gender and sexual orientation and the laws which protect individuals.
Siptu general sceretary, Joe Flynn, and Labour TD Breeda Moynihan-Cronin are due to provide a welcome address to the forum and siptu national equality secretary, Rosheen Callender will introduce the main themes of the event.
Esther Lynch, Ictu's legislation and social affairs officer, will be the key contributor looking at the different forms that sex discrimination can take.
Consultant in equality and the law, Orlagh O'Farrell, will address age discrimination and the law while Rob Anderson of the European Foundation will give an overview of eldercare and employment in an ageing Europe.
Sally-Anne Kinahan, Ictu's assistant general secretary, will describe some trade union work in key areas of women's employment.
Health care in Ireland and how doctors are campaigning for a better health service will be discussed by Orla Hardiman, consultant neurologist and a member of the Doctors Alliance for Better Health Care.
Siptu's general secretary, Jack O'Connor, will give the closing address to the forum.