How were Irish women treated at the time of 1969 civil rights march in Derry Northern Ireland?

During the civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1969, Irish women faced significant discrimination and limited opportunities. Here's an overview of how Irish women were treated at the time:

1. Lack of Voting Rights: Until 1969, women in Northern Ireland did not have the same voting rights as men. They were only granted universal suffrage in 1969, allowing them to vote in parliamentary and local elections.

2. Employment Discrimination: Women in Northern Ireland faced widespread employment discrimination. They were often paid lower wages than men for the same work, and their opportunities for career advancement were limited. They were also more likely to be employed in low-paying and non-professional jobs.

3. Limited Political Participation: Women were underrepresented in politics. Few women held elected office or participated in decision-making processes. The male-dominated political system often overlooked the needs and concerns of women.

4. Domestic Responsibilities: Traditional societal norms placed a heavy emphasis on women's roles as wives and mothers. Women were expected to prioritize their family responsibilities, which limited their opportunities for education, employment, and political engagement.

5. Violence and Discrimination: Women were not immune to the violence and discrimination that marked the civil rights era. They faced harassment, intimidation, and physical violence during protests and marches.

6. Lack of Reproductive Rights: Women's reproductive rights were restricted. Abortion was illegal in Northern Ireland, and women had limited access to contraception and family planning services.

7. Barriers to Education: Women faced barriers in accessing higher education. Although they were admitted to universities and colleges, they were often channeled into traditional "female" subjects and experienced gender-based discrimination in academia.

8. Marginalization: Women's voices and perspectives were often marginalized in public discourse. They were not always given equal opportunities to express their views or participate in decision-making.

9. Gender Roles: Societal expectations defined women's roles largely within the domestic sphere. Challenging these traditional gender roles was seen as a threat to the social order.

10. Social Attitudes: Many social attitudes towards women were shaped by patriarchal and conservative values. Women were often expected to be submissive and deferential to men.

Despite these limitations and challenges, Irish women played an active role in the civil rights movement. They participated in protests, advocated for equal rights, and worked towards improving their social and political status. The experience of the civil rights era contributed to the rise of the women's rights movement in Northern Ireland, which sought to address the gender inequalities and injustices that women faced.