HIGHER LEVELS of gender equality in the workplace increase productivity, innovation and motivation among staff, delegates attending a conference in Dublin heard yesterday.
Research suggesting that gender equality increases productivity by some 15 per cent, as staff are more inclined to interact - leading to new ideas and innovations - was presented at the seminar, organised by the European Commission and Chambers Ireland.
The conference heard calls for more women to enter traditionally male-dominated sectors such as engineering, and for more men to become involved in areas such as teaching in primary school, in an attempt to bring new experience and points of view to these areas.
To coincide with the seminar, the European Commission has organised a public meeting in Kilkenny tonight. What women want - Is the European Union really addressing the concerns of Irish women? takes place in Kilkenny Castle at 7.30pm.
Martin Territt, director of the European Commission in Dublin, said it was eager to hear whether it was addressing the concerns of Irish women in the present day.
