Women are more likely to live in poverty today than they were in 1987, according to a report from the Combat Poverty Agency. The report, Women and Poverty in Ire- land, by Brian Nolan and Dorothy Watson, was launched yesterday by the President, Mrs McAleese.
The report is based on data from a 1994 national household survey, the Living in Ireland survey, which showed that women in Ireland are at greater risk of poverty than men, especially if they live alone or head households.
Based on the poverty measurement of 50 per cent of average household income, the risk for women who live alone had risen from 4 per cent in 1987 to 24 per cent in 1994. For lone mother households, it rose from 17 per cent in 1987 to 32 per cent.
While the numbers below the poverty line increased, the depth of poverty (the amount by which they fall below it) has not - in fact, overall income for poor families increased, but not enough to lift them over the poverty line.
The report said the reasons for this include the level of welfare payments on which many lone parents and households headed by single women rely. Social welfare policy had concentrated on increasing the lowest social welfare payments as part of a strategy to bring them in line with the adequate minimum recommended by the Commission on Social Welfare. Such increases failed to breach the 50 per cent threshold.
Another reason for the increase in the number of female-headed households which are poor is the increase in the number of such households overall. The report suggests an increase in the number of young single women moving into independent accommodation; a decrease in older single women living with relatives; and the impact of increased marriage breakdown.
Ms Anna Lee, chairwoman of the Combat Poverty Agency, said the report, once again, restated the position of women in relation to low pay and part-time work. Women were more likely than men to work part-time, which was often low paid, and even in full-time employment were likely to be paid less than men.
"The study highlights that paid employment is the most efficient route out of poverty for women, and particularly for those heading up households," she said.
Therefore it was essential that access to quality employment opportunities was provided for those who wished to take them up. Access to affordable childcare was an important aspect of this. However, she added that policy in this area should also focus on the alleviation of poverty among children.
Referring to the report's analysis of the causes of female poverty, the President said: "If we know the causes we can create informed solutions".
She praised the work of organisations like the Combat Poverty Agency and the Economic and Social Research Institute for shedding light both on the problems we face and potential solutions.
"It then boils down to whether we as a society possess the will and commitment to make equality and the elimination of poverty, in all its facets, the goal to which all our energies are directed. I believe that we do," she said.