Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives from the various organisations before the committee today. Their comments indicate clearly the significant challenges which exist in the area under discussion. Mr. Clarken's comment that a culture which demeans people is not worth saving is powerful and surely strikes a chord with any rational person. Discrimination, the denial of basic human rights, injustice and the need, as Dr. Duvvury stated, for inclusive development are all very important points in developing and implementing policy. I welcome the important work done by Irish Aid in so many areas. All the witnesses referred to its work. The fact UN Women assists 62 countries with planning programmes shows the breadth of the work being undertaken and its necessity. I welcome this work.

All of us as individual parliamentarians support the work of Irish Aid, and it is worth noting the first objective of Irish Aid's gender equality policy is to advance equal rights for men and women. Particular emphasis is laid on the need to work to combat gender-based violence. The policy's second objective is to eliminate gender inequalities in access to, control of, and benefit from resources and services. Irish Aid has worked with many partners in many countries. Last year Irish Aid supported Ethiopia, Tanzania and Mozambique in strengthening their health systems and providing better services to their citizens. The work is wide-ranging and addresses not just hunger, which is very important, but also development. Ms Looloitai referred to the difficulties faced by women, especially with regard to food production and working in agriculture. We all would like to see a greater impetus in the role of women in agriculture and food production.

I do not know whether I understood properly, but it was mentioned that in Tanzania, women are not allowed own land or sell livestock. Eastern Africa was also mentioned in this regard. Land strikes a chord with Irish people because, throughout our history, it has been in our psyche and we had difficulties for many decades. I would like to hear the views of the witnesses on whether programmes can be improved or a different emphasis can be given to women in food production. The comments made today are very important.

I am relatively new to this area. A report from Irish Aid referred to greater participation in education at primary level in countries where the global partnership for education exists. Participation at primary level had increased to 60%. I am not at all familiar with the education systems which exist in developing countries. What is the participation rate of girls and young female adults at post-primary level or in technical education? Is there an imbalance with regard to those who have the opportunity to participate?