New book publication
A new study, 'The Opening of University Education to Women in Ireland' has been published by Judith Harford.
Minister Mary Hanafin Dr Judith Harford and Professor Brigid Laffan.JPG
‘The opening of university education to women was one of the most significant developments of the twentieth century. Access to higher education carried with it the potential to radically alter the role and status of women in society,’ says Dr Judith Harford, the author of a new book - The Opening of University Education to Women in Ireland. Higher education facilitated women’s entry to the professions extending their involvement in wider social and political arenas. Although only a minority of middle-class women were in the social, cultural and economic position to benefit from higher educational reform, their participation in higher education had wider social implications. It helped to move women’s role beyond the private sphere of the home and into the professions and public life.
Professor Sheelagh Drudy and Minister Mary Hanafin
“Ensuring that women have the opportunities to participate in higher education is a key goal of Government. Dr Harford’s fascinating book brings to life the issues faced by women in our recent history as they accessed university education. The book captures the voices of women whom the system at the time had tried to silence. The women portrayed in this book were exceptional, courageous and visionary women, determined to secure what they viewed as their right to higher education. I know that it will make a very significant contribution to our understanding of the importance of women’s admission to university in Ireland’ says Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, who officially launched the book at Newman House, Dublin on 03 April 2008.
