Almost a year after the monumental referendum in Ireland to change its abortion laws, three of the women that campaigned for it have been named on Time magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People list.
Together For Yes co-directors Grainne Griffin, Ailbhe Smyth and Orla O’Connor have been honoured with Limerick Oscar-nominated actor Ruth Negga paying tribute to them.
"Ireland is changing", she wrote. "Just three years ago, we voted to introduce marriage equality for same-sex couples. And in May 2018, Irish society voted to lift the near-total ban on abortion that had been in place for 35 years."
"Together for Yes, the campaign to repeal the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution, put the Mná na hÉireann (women of Ireland) front, centre and in control of their own bodies and rights like never before. It was breathtaking to witness the determination, intelligence and sheer hard work of its leaders Grainne Griffin, Ailbhe Smyth and Orla O’Connor, who mobilized people of all different backgrounds in the lead-up to the vote. They put the experiences of women and the needs of their country first.
"Their incredible tenacity and integrity and courageousness will be an inspiration for generations to come."
Thrilled and more than a little overcome. This is for all who fought over decades - thank you - and for those fighting for our basic freedom globally #ProChoice . https://t.co/qUYTFMZKDf
— Ailbhe Smyth (@ailbhes) April 17, 2019
Being included on the #Time100 list, alongside @ailbhes and @gragriffin is such an honour, and it belongs to everyone in @Together4Yes, particularly to the women and couples who shared their stories to bring about change in Ireland. https://t.co/5RXBxHzJ3I
— Orla O'Connor (@OrlaNWCI) April 17, 2019