Irish Housewives Reveal Untold Stories of Shame and Resilience

"Housewives of the Year" Share Stories of Contraception, Magdalene Laundries, and Societal Stigma Ireland - June 1, 2025 - A recent RTÉ One video features interviews with former "Housewife of the Year" contestants, offering a glimpse into their lives and the societal pressures they faced. The women candidly discuss their experiences with contraception, their time in Magdalene Laundries, and the financial and emotional struggles they endured. One contestant shared, "I hate the fact my father was embarrassed and ashamed of me." Another recounted, "My dad ran around to the phone box; no phone in the house then." The video serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by women in the past and the continuing relevance of these issues today. It promotes discussion about the importance of support systems and overcoming societal stigma.