To mark Brigid’s Day, HerStory is celebrating the modern women who embody her qualities and share her passions as an environmentalist, feminist, Pride icon, healer, pioneer, human rights activist, goddess of the arts, alchemist and wisdom weaver.
St. Brigid may be a woman who lived 1,500 years ago and the Celtic goddess Brigid pre-dates Christianity, but she continues to inspire today.
Irish Women in Leadership
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC - lawyer
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC - lawyer.
Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC is a distinguished Irish lawyer recognized for her exceptional advocacy skills and deep understanding of public law, particularly in cases related to human rights and environmental justice.
She was the sole female barrister defending one of the "Colston Four", representing the only female defendant, Rhian Graham. Ní Ghrálaigh has also been a key advocate in South Africa’s recent case at the International Court of Justice, alleging genocide by Israel in the Gaza Strip.
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Vivian Silver - peace activist, feminist
Vivian Silver - peace activist, feminist.
Following her 1974 relocation from Winnipeg to Israel, Vivian Silver devoted her whole life to advocating Palestinian rights and opposing the Gaza blockade.
She was a prominent Israeli peace activist who also co-founded the Arab-Jewish Centre for Equality, Empowerment, and Cooperation and Women Wage Peace. Her unwavering efforts to encourage communication and collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians have served as a source of inspiration and compassion for the entire community.
“Closing the gap comes from collaborative work, and not from struggling against one another.”
- Vivian Silver.
Catherine Connolly - independent politician
Catherine Connolly - independent politician.
Irish politician Catherine Connolly is well-known for her work representing Galway West as an Independent TD [Member of Parliament]. She made history as the first woman to hold the role when she was appointed Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann in 2020.
Connolly is a fervent supporter of social justice, environmental concerns, and the Irish language, stressing the value of advancing Irish in the Dáil and society.
Jacinda Arden – former Prime Minister of New Zealand
Jacinda Arden – former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Jacinda Ardern is undoubtedly a global icon of strength, kindness, and compassionate leadership. At age 37, she became the world’s youngest female head of government since 1856 and led New Zealand through significant events, including the Christchurch Mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renowned for her progressive policies, Ardern declared a climate change emergency in New Zealand and committed the government to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.
“I was in politics for 15 years, and I came out with a strong belief that politics is a place for positive change.”
- Jacinda Arden.
Geraldine Byrne Nason – diplomat
Geraldine Byrne Nason – diplomat.
Geraldine Byrne Nason now serves as the Ambassador of Ireland to the United States after five years as ambassador to the United Nations.
As Secretary-General in the Prime Minister’s office from 2011-2014, she was the highest-ranking female public servant in Ireland. In 2022 she received Concern Worldwide’s annual Women of Concern Award in recognition of her outstanding career as a female leader within the diplomatic and civil service and her unwavering dedication to advocating for women’s rights at home and abroad.
Mary McAleese – former President of Ireland
Mary McAleese – former President of Ireland.
After a distinguished career as a lawyer, journalist, and academic, Mary McAleese was elected as the 8th President of Ireland in 1997, succeeding Mary Robinson.
She was the second woman and the first person from Northern Ireland to hold the post. Serving two terms, her presidency was marked by a focus on building bridges between communities, particularly in Northern Ireland and advocating for social equality and justice.
McAleese has been a vocal advocate on numerous issues, including the ordination of women priests, the ban on contraception, the lack of action on child sexual abuse, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
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* Herstory is every woman's story. Founded in 2016, Herstory is a multi-disciplinary storytelling platform that illuminates and celebrates female role models.
Through pioneering education and art programs, they inspire, educate and empower the youth and nation. In turn, they spark sister movements across the world. For more visit Herstory.ie.
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