International Women’s Day calls for a deeper examination of women’s issues, particularly in Ireland. While symbolic gestures occur, there is a pressing need for substantive reforms in areas affecting women directly, such as maternity care and family law.
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In 2026, vital institutions like maternity hospitals and family law courts still fail to prioritize women’s needs. Maternity care should ensure privacy and comfort for women in labor. However, the current infrastructure often overlooks these fundamental requirements. These issues raise concerns about societal priorities that seem misaligned with the real experiences of women.
Conditions in Family Law Courts
The state of family law courts in Ireland is alarming. As identified by family law solicitor Keith Walsh, the planned family law courts complex on Hammond Lane has been on the agenda since 2013 but remains unbuilt. This delay is troubling, especially since demand is likely to grow even before opening.
- Many women face anxiety in court, encountering their abusers in common spaces.
- In rural areas, overcrowded courthouses exacerbate this trauma.
Under the current in-camera rule, essential judicial processes are shielded from public scrutiny. This rule aims to protect identities but contradicts fundamental principles of transparency in justice. Consequently, little is known about how family law cases are handled. People may be indifferent to these issues due to a lack of awareness.
Calls for Reform
Legal experts like barristers Lisa Ann Wilkinson and Síle Ní Dhubhghaill are advocating for reforms in the family law system. Their campaign highlights the need for changes to the in-camera rule, which often silences women’s voices in these judicial matters.
Despite a report from University College Cork (UCC) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD) addressing these issues, there has been little action from officials. The current application of the in-camera rule in Irish courts is unique and raises critical questions about justice accessibility.
Contrast with the UK Model
Significant changes have occurred in the UK since 2025, allowing limited media access to family courts. Journalists can now attend and report on cases while maintaining the privacy of involved parties. This shift has improved public understanding and awareness of family law issues.
The case of Sara Sharif, who was tragically murdered in 2023, draws attention to the failures of the system. Journalists were unable to report on relevant court proceedings due to the strict in-camera rules, preventing the public from understanding the broader implications of judicial decisions.
Recommendations for Change
The recommendations from the UCC/TCD report include proposals to ensure the in-camera system does not hinder access to support services outside the courtroom. This change is direly needed and further emphasizes the call for a more transparent and accountable family law system in Ireland.
As International Women’s Day approaches, there is a crucial opportunity to advocate for meaningful changes. This is the moment to move beyond symbolic gestures and address the real needs of women in society.
