The Task Force and Traveller Women
What the 1995 Irish Government Task Force Report on the Travelling Community has to say about women: some excerptsMuch of the discrimination experienced by Travellers in Irish society has a particular impact on the lives of Traveller women due to their primary roles as home-makers in their own communities. Such practices in these areas are not only discriminatory towards Travellers as a whole group, they also contribute to shaping Traveller women's particular experiences of inequality as women. (4.2)
This process of blaming can often be a feature of Traveller women's experience in dealing with the various social services - medical, social work, accommodation, social welfare or schools. Some of those they deal with promote and support their right to their Traveller identity. Others, often unconsciously, undermine it. Traveller women can be left with the message that their problems can best be solved if they cease to be Travellers. This leaves Traveller women in an impossible and unenviable situation effectively being blamed for being Travellers. (4.5)
In implementing each of the recommendations addressed in this Report the gender dimension should be examined in order to ascertain how policies and practices in each area contribute to or block progress for Traveller women. Proposals for future initiatives in each area must be monitored in terms of their impact on equality for Traveller women. Each must outline its objectives, targets and likely outcomes for Traveller women. (HR.1)
In line with the recommendations of the Second Commission on the Status of Women, Government policies on this matter and EU directives, progress for Traveller women is recognised as a priority in the move towards equality for all women. It is also recognised as essential if progress is to be made for all Travellers. (HR.3)
Institutionalised violence towards Traveller women requires detailed examination and responses. Culturally appropriate ways to support Traveller women who experience violence within their community, and to respond to the issue of male violence, need to be worked on with Traveller women.(HR.5(i) )
Targeted responses to Traveller women's needs in a variety of areas such as health, education, training and personal development are required as a prerequisite towards progress and equality. These should be designed and delivered in partnership with Traveller women's organisations.(HR.7 (i)