Today the Women's Council of Ireland is hosting its annual general meeting surrounding women's issues at the Spencer Hotel in Dublin.
This year's AGM event is called Feminists are Everywhere and it's speakers will include Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald; Social Justice Campaigner, Gráinne Healy; Sarah Duku from Cairde, Eileen Flynn from the Irish Traveller Movement, Claire McGettrick from Justice for Magdalenes Research, Trish Long from Disney and National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) Chairperson Orla O'Connor.
The event will be chaired by Sarah McInerney from Newstalk Radio.
Great line up of our speakers for this morning #FeministsAreEverywhere pic.twitter.com/sNJEBhhUSz
— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) June 8, 2017
The speakers will discuss challenges that Irish women face in 2017 and highlight issues that needs to be tackled for better equality and representation in Irish society. The NWCI will also use today's event to award one person for 'Outstanding Feminist Leadership'.
The hashtag #FeministsAreEverywhere began trending on Twitter ahead of today's event and the tweets have made for some incredible reading.
Both the men and women of Ireland have used the hashtag to share their stories of inequality and sexism. They have shared their support for feminism and women in Ireland as well as their thoughts on what will make a greater and more accepting country.
1. Author Claire Hennessy explained why she is a feminist.
"Why am I a feminist? Because when you start seeing gender inequality you can't stop. But you want IT to stop. #FeministsAreEverywhere"
Why am I a feminist? Because when you start seeing gender inequality you can't stop. But you want IT to stop. #FeministsAreEverywhere
— Claire Hennessy (@chennessybooks) June 6, 2017
2. Sandra Lewis reasoned that both men and women benefit from equality.
"My 10 yr old calls out sexism in school. Feminism makes him a better boy & someday a better man, in a better society #FeministsAreEverywhere"
My 10 yr old calls out sexism in school. Feminism makes him a better boy & someday a better man, in a better society #FeministsAreEverywhere
— Sandra Lewis (@ayreslewis) June 6, 2017
3. Jess Kav pointed out that language matters and grown women should not be referred to as girls.
"I'm still called a girl instead of a musician in most workplaces. I'm 31 and have been a professional for 10 years. #FeministAreEverywhere"
I'm still called a girl instead of a musician in most workplaces. I'm 31 and have been a professional for 10 years. #FeministsAreEverywhere
— Jess Kav (@JessNoelleSoul) June 7, 2017
4. Singer Hozier highlighted how deeply ingrained sexism has been in Irish society:
"til '90, 50% of citizenry could be raped by spouse w/no legal recourse. State has always been behind on women's rights #FeministsAreEverywhere"
til '90, 50% citizenry could be raped by spouse w/ no legal recourse. State has always been behind on women's rights #FeministsAreEverywhere
— Hozier (@Hozier) June 7, 2017
5. Jennifer Whitmore reminds us that gender should not impair potential.
"I'm a feminist because I have 2 daughters and 2 sons, and I see beautiful potential in each of them #FeministAreEverywhere"
I'm a feminist because I have 2 daughters and 2 sons, and I see beautiful potential in each of them #FeministsAreEverywhere
— CllrJenniferWhitmore (@WhitmoreJen) June 6, 2017
Joining the #FeministsAreEverywhere trend on Twitter? Let us know at @LifeStyleRTE
