On International Women’s Day 2026, Treoir, the information service for unmarried parents, reflects on how the lives of unmarried mothers and families not based on marriage have changed — and the inequalities that remain
Founded in Ireland in 1976, Treoir emerged in response to a society where stigma, systemic disapproval, and deep cultural intolerance towards unmarried pregnancy, unmarried motherhood, and unmarried families were pervasive. These attitudes were not confined to any one part of society, they were embedded across social, political, religious and cultural institutions.
Treoir founding member Margaret Dromey recalled the stigma unmarried mothers experienced during the organisation’s early years.
“Coming up to Christmas, young mothers would ring and say, ‘I can’t go home.’ The stigma was overwhelming.” she said.
“Initially it [unmarried motherhood] was framed as a religious issue — sex outside marriage. Later it became economic — women were accused of ‘scrounging off the State.’”
Irish society has changed significantly since then. Today, more than 40% of children in Ireland are born outside marriage, reflecting a major shift in family structures and social attitudes. But while stigma has evolved, inequality has not disappeared.
One-parent families — the majority headed by women — continue to experience disproportionate levels of socio-economic disadvantage. Despite significant legal and social progress, families not based on marriage are still not recognised in our constitution. Lone parents are particularly impacted by structural barriers within housing policy, social protection systems and family law processes.
Treoir’s CEO, Damien Peelo, said:
“We have come along way over the last 50 years, but we still have a vision for greater equality for all children regardless of the marital status of their parents. Lone parents are still one of the most at risk groups of poverty, homelessness and unemployment. So, more is needed if we are to achieve our goal of equality for all families”.
As part of its anniversary launch, Treoir welcomed founding members Margaret Dromey and Margot Doherty back to its offices on the 26th of February. They met with current staff, explored archival materials, and reflected on the organisation’s origins.
Reflecting on the progress made, Treoir’s policy officer, Gayle Smith, said:
“Even 50 years on, lone parents still experience stigma, though it is more subtle, hidden within the structure of public policy. They still are one of the population groups that are most likely to experience poverty and social exclusion”.
To address these inequalities, Treoir is calling for:
The organisation says these measures are essential to achieving equality for families in Ireland today.
ENDS
For press requests, contact Josie O’Connor, Communications and Membership Officer at Treoir : memberships@treoir.ie / 01 6700120
