The ‘clear gender gap’ in NI driving test pass rates has nothing to do with the ability of women behind the wheel, there is something else at play here…

It was reported by the BBC that there is a ‘'Clear gender gap' in NI driving test pass rates’. Women are more likely to pass the theory but men are more likely to pass the practical test. Intrigued, I dug a little deeper to try and see what…

Why 'Fully Flexible' Job Advertisements Really Mean 'Lone Mothers Need Not Apply'

I’ve been job hunting recently, it’s not much fun and to be honest, I’m feeling angry, a lot.  I am a lone parent to a 5-year-old and a 15-year-old.  I’m studying a master’s part time and I clean Airbnbs on an ad hoc basis; the cleaning…

Working in a ‘man’s world’ – Do we have it equal?

I knew from a young age that I was destined to go into a technical career.  I’d always shown a particular interest in science and maths and hated languages and art with a passion.  I loved problem solving and playing with my brother’s…

Let’s Not Have a Nightmare Before Christmas

3… 2… and… IT’S CHRIIISTMAASSS! Well, almost. The big day is only 18 sleeps away and it can’t have escaped you that Christmas is everywhere. We’ve had Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and I, for one, have already put my tree up and had…

Angry but hopeful – One woman’s journey as a sexual assault survivor

Editor’s comments TRIGGER WARNING: This blog contains details of a sexual assault and the medico/judicial process following it. 2018 has been a tough year for women generally and for sexual assault survivors particularly. The #MeToo…

An Open Letter from a ‘Bossy’ Woman

Today, a friend sent me a screenshot of an Instagram story from a mutual acquaintance. It was a rambling tirade which detailed views on what it means to be ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’. It is a baffling, waffly account which seems to imply…

#Ibelieveher and the Máiría Cahill case – A Response from the Women’s Movement

With the current international media focus on Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, and the accusations of sexual abuse made against him by 3 women, it is time to remind ourselves again of our obligation as feminists to step outside of party…

A Positive Blog for Monday

Recent news has been dominated by Northern Ireland’s record-breaking period without a government and the terrible fire in Primark in Belfast City Centre, as well as the now-normal barrage of Trump and Brexit bad news. While all of this is…

And so, I continue on ...

For many of us, prior to the #metoo movement, speaking out about our own personal encounters with sexism and abuse across many sectors felt taboo. It was often frowned upon to speak up and outwards against this kind of behaviour that has been…

Claire's Story: This is why we need affordable childcare

Once upon a time there was a girl called Claire. Claire had not yet had children. Claire harboured dreams of being a rich and successful Solicitor. Claire and her future husband figured that Claire would be the main breadwinner. They figured…