Upcoming referendum allows us to reflect on the power of words

I consider myself a modern Mná na hÉireann. Much like the women in my life, I don many caps: one foot in the farmhouse and one in the farmyard, I have work and community interests off farm, I am pursuing a degree in agricultural science and sustainability, raising three children and someone who believes in progressivism and equality.

Yet I find myself slightly confused standing at the crossroads wondering what the heck is the upcoming referendum on March 8th about. We are being summoned to the ballot boxes citizens, to again reshape our constitutional values. At the heart of this referendum lies the proposal to remove outdated language regarding women’s roles in the home from our constitution. 

For decades, sitting like a dusty box on top of the press, Article 41.2 of the Irish Constitution is a reminder of a bygone era, where a woman’s place was narrowly defined within the confines of the domestic dominance, a relic of a time when societal norms dictated that women should prioritize their duties within the home above all else. But times have changed, and so too must our laws reflect the reality of modern Ireland.

Its true to say that words matter but in a tumultuous time in society, where this referendum has no meaningful impact on how we live our lives, it has (much like the recent farmers protests) been commandeered to further create a left/right chasm that is engulfing our political system. Is the timing of this referendum really a pressing priority?

There are valid concerns raised by those who oppose the amendment. Some argue that removing references to women from the constitution diminishes the recognition of their vital role as caregivers. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the proposed amendment seeks to replace this language with a more inclusive approach that recognizes the value of care within both the home and the wider community by men as well as women.

Is the misconception that removing this language will somehow erase women from our constitutional framework? The truth is conspicuous; our rights and protections as Irish citizens remains intact.  A referendum about words, while not a top priority for most of us, does aim to remove the influence of a constitution dominated by a religious institution who did seek to see women confined to traditional roles.

The work to pave the way to a fairer society where both men and women are free to live without fear of discrimination has already been done by braver souls who stood against the system. This amendment is just a reflection of the rights we all get to enjoy now.

But will a referendum about symbolism, make a difference to the lives of carers and vulnerable women in our society who have to fight tooth and nail for essential facilities. For better pay for the work they do at personal cost to the state, for a safe and secure home to raise their children, for access to adequate healthcare in strained system?

Whether we vote yes or no, this referendum is not going to plaster over those cracks that affect women in their day to day lives. Words matter, but so do actions. If we vote yes, are we sending a clear message to the government that we expect real action to support caregivers, whether they choose to work within the home or outside of it?

This includes initiatives such as public childcare, better facilitation of family leave, and guaranteed access to homecare supports. If we vote no as a protest to our general dissatisfaction with the current government, is it at the cost of inclusivity?

The definition of family to include all households with durable relationships is a step towards valuing the diversity of family structures in our society, that were for much of this states existence shunned. Lone parents, unmarried partners or same sex couples, who have been shouldering the same responsibilities of all families, deserve equal recognition and protection under the constitution.

As we mark International Women's Day 2024 with this referendum, the words of Americans activist Gloria Steinem ring loudly:
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

The results of this referendum, hopefully reflects our commitment to progress and inclusivity for all women, both at home and in society, even if it is just through the power of words.

Katie Gleeson is an online content creator who documents family life on a dairy farm in rural Tipperary via her Instagram account @katieinthecountry.