It is an old adage that all men (and women) are born equal. But how practicable is that maxim? I was watching a TV documentary recently on the right of women to decide the terms of childbirth. I was gutted to see the inhuman treatment meted out to a Hungarian midwife who was helping women to have home births. Not only was she jailed – for 77 days – but was brought to court in hand chains and rods on her feet!
In Hungary it is illegal to have a home birth and anyone found guilty of this offence is liable to punishment. But the fact that the midwife was jailed was surely punishment enough – the chains were too much. Not even animals stand such treatment. Where is the quality there?
At times it bothers me – about what the law really says, how it is interpreted and who interprets it. In Ireland it is no longer news to see how laws misinterpreted by those who are meant to be the custodians of the law, leaving the public confused.
In most cases, the souring starts at the top. Looking at the recent ministerial appointments, equality is thrown to the wind. There were just two female full ministers, with four women getting token junior ministries. Inequality in the highest place! And looking at the whole of society, it is obvious something is missing.
In a multicultural state like Ireland, even though the present Government is quiet on integration issues, there is nothing multicultural within the establishment, so where are we heading? How best can we address the problem of inequality in the State if the Government won’t make a good example?
I am beginning to think that the church may have a vital role to play in this era. I understand that God is just, and therefore would want all people to be treated with the same respect and dignity.
Ireland is a Christian society despite its multiculturalism. This is indisputable. The majority of the people in Ireland are Christians, whether Catholic, Pentecostal, Ang-lican, etc. The general belief of any Christian is based on treating others as you would want them treat you. Equality plus justice equals peace and progress.
One of the most prestigious secondary schools in Nigeria is St Finbarr’s College in Akoka, Lagos, where most of my relatives attended. The school was named after an Irish missionary and was run by generations of his successors. My cousins were always proud to say that they were taught the ethos of human dignity and respect to one another at that school.
So it makes me wonder, thinking of those Irish missionaries who taught their hosts around the world better ways to treat one another, do we still have such people in Ireland? Gone are the days when the church was consulted on any major decision as it affected the State, but as the church loses its power, things have gone sourer.
If only the church will take back the responsibility to promote equality and fairness to all, maybe our country will become a better place to live.
Amaka Okonkwo works in sales for Metro Éireann.
