In this article, a retired social worker and busy grandmother sets out the reasons she will be voting No No. The proposal to delete the words “woman” and “mother” from the Constitution and replace them with “the provision of care by members of a family” would remove any acknowledgement by the government that mothering...

Irish citizens are being asked to vote in two referendums to change our Constitution. This is being widely sold as progressive, modern and inclusive.

The wording of Article 41.2 of our 1937 Constitution may be old-fashioned but it is, at least, an honest and welcome acknowledgement of the often thankless but profoundly important work women do in the home, in the running of households, and in the rearing of children, which is the foundation of society...

Despite the current popularity of terms like equality and inclusivity, one particular group continues to face unique and often overlooked challenges in healthcare settings, where resources are often inaccessible and same-sex care is not always a given. Gladys of The Countess Healthcare Working Group sheds light on the obstacles that women with disabilities encounter when...

The Chinese custom of foot binding involved tightly binding the feet of young girls to achieve a small, severely deformed foot, considered a symbol of beauty, status, and desirability, in addition to being associated with the idea of a woman’s place being in the home. The process involved folding the toes under the sole...

As well as the invaluable health benefits to both mother and newborn, breastfeeding is often celebrated as a profound emotional bonding experience. However, an increasing number of young women are seeking chest masculinisation mastectomy – also known as “top surgery” – to relieve gender dysphoria or affirm a perceived gender identity.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust is an independent NGO that works to improve the Irish penal system through advocacy, lobbying, reports, studies, and public awareness campaigns. Its many valuable achievements include improvements in regard to overcrowding, education and training, and the housing of young...

In October last year, the Countess team raised concerns with the HSE and the Ombudsman for Children about the guidance provided by the HSE on their website in relation to Transgender support. The guidance, in the mental health section of the HSE website, directs the reader to TENI’s website (the Transgender Equality Network Ireland)...