Dr. Maryann Valiulis

Summary

This project relates to the Centre for Gender and Women's Studies' interest in issues of equality and difference. The project is to produce an introductory booklet on issues of multiple discrimination for ten groups of women chosen by the Equality Authority: . Transsexual Women . Women Parenting Alone . Women Carers . Women Travellers . Women with Disabilities . Lesbian and Bisexual Women . Women from Different Religious Backgrounds . Black and Ethnic Minority Women . Young Women . Older Women The intersection of gender discrimination with other forms of prejudice is the key focus: how do lesbian and bisexual women experience discrimination both as women and members of a minority? How does the impact of ageist bias and gender discrimination manifest itself in the lives of older women? How does racism collide with gender stereotyping for Black and ethnic minority women? These are some of the issues explored in the booklet. It is expected that research will be completed in April 2007. We produced an interim report in December 2006 and a draft final report has been submitted. The project is part of Ireland's contribution to the European Year of Equal Opportunities and will be launched later in 2007.

Funding Agency

The Equality Authority

Summary

The project was based on a review of marketing and advertising of children's toys in Ireland in relation to gender equality issues. The research has been published in November 2007. The publication highlights a pervasive and thorough gender stereotyping in the marketing and design of goods to children. Gender stereotyping is found to be deeply embedded at all levels of the marketing process. It is identified in:- · the language used. The text, for example, that accompanies the girl's products describes the product and does not engage with the children shown. The text directed at boys is different in tone and intent-actively engaging the children and affirming the active potential of the boys. · the symbols used. The use of blue and pink to communicate gender appropriateness of toys is instantly recognisable in most toy catalogues, for example. : the production techniques used. Examples given include the predominance of male voice-overs and the use of different camera angles for girls and boys. The tilt up angle is most common in advertisements depicting boys and the tilt down angle in those depicting girls. · the use and portrayal of space in both visual and print advertising. Boys are depicted using products outdoors whereas girls were predominantly shown playing indoors. Separate sections are reserved in shops for girls and boys in accordance with the supposed gender appropriateness of the toys being sold. The overall impact identified is a gender stereotyping where ­ boys are portrayed as independent, active and aggressive ­ girls are portrayed as dependent, passive and nurturing.

Funding Agency

The Equality Authority

Project Type

Research Project

Summary

This research project entails a policy and literature review, the hosting of focus groups and a department wide survey on the issue of the promotion of women to senior grades

Funding Agency

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Summary

This project is looking at the literature on prostitution and trafficking in Ireland and internationally, as well as a review of Ireland's legal standards and human rights commitments to those engaged in prostitution. The project also involves a review of services for those engaged in prostitution.

Funding Agency

Irish Human Rights Commission

Project Type

Research Project

Person Months

7

Summary

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency (www.crisispregnancy.ie) has commissioned the Centre for Gender and Women's Studies to undertake a literature review of issues related to work life balance, workplace culture and maternity/childcare issues. Jennifer Redmond is the principal researcher, and the project is directed by Dr. Maryann Valiulis and Dr. Eileen Drew. The aim of the project is to produce a comprehensive and internationally comparative review of literature relating to work life balance, workplace culture and maternity/childcare issues. It will outline and examine the situation in Ireland for workers striving for work life balance, and for working parents negotiating employment and domestic responsibilities. In particular, it will highlight issues for those facing crisis pregnancy, in order to determine the impact that current workplace policies and environments has on their lives and decision-making capacities.

Funding Agency

Crisis Pregnancy Agency

Project Type

Literature Review