IFN Conference: ‘Feminist Activism in Ireland: Past, Present and Future’

When: 10am – 5pm, Saturday, May 19th
Where: Sean O’Casey Community Centre, Dublin 3 (map)
Why: To assess where the feminist movement is today, what its future holds, and what we can learn from the past
Facebook Event link here

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The IFN invites you to an all-day event on the theme ‘Feminist Activism in Ireland: Past, Present and Future’ to be held on Saturday, May 19th.

Join us for discussions on successive feminist ‘waves’ in Ireland, and what they contributed and continue to contribute to gender equality in this country. 

The conference aims to create a dialogue between the different generations of feminists, and will place current campaigns in the context of the movement as a whole. While showcasing new, recently established feminist organisations, the conference will also assess the continuity of feminist activism over the decades. We hope that such a holistic reading of feminist activism in Ireland will prove fruitful for the future progression of the movement.

The conference will be structured chronologically, focusing on the first wave of feminist activism in Ireland, the second wave, newly formed feminist organisations and the future of the movement. 

Conference Programme:
10 - 10.30:       Registration/Coffee
10.30 - 10.45: Introduction by Dr. Clara Fischer, Irish Feminist Network, and Poetry Reading by Catherine Phil
                             MacCarthy
10.45 - 11:         Keynote Address I: Mary Lou McDonald, TD and Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin

11 - 11.45:         Feminist Activism in Ireland: The First Wave
                            Dr. Mary McAuliffe, President, Women’s History Association of Ireland, and UCD Women's Studies
                            Dr. Margaret Ward, Director of Women’s Resource and Development Agency, Belfast
                            Mamo McDonald, Honorary president of Age and Opportunity, former president of the Irish 
                            Countrywomen’s Association
                            Chair: Dr. Mary Cullen, Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies, TCD, and co-founder of the     
                            Women’s  History Assocation of Ireland
11.45 - 12.15:   Q&A

12.15 - 1:           Feminist Activism in Ireland: The Second Wave
                             Grainne Healy, Chairwoman of Marriage Equality
                             Susan McKay, author, journalist, founder member of the Belfast Rape Crisis Network, and former       
                             CEO of the National Women’s Council of Ireland
                             Anne Speed, founding member of Irish Women United, Socialist and Trade Unionist
                             Chair: Anthea McTiernan, Editor of The Ticket, The Irish Times
  1 - 1.30:           Q&A

1.30 - 2.15:      Lunch

2:15 - 2.30:      Keynote Address II: Salome Mbugua, CEO of AkiDwA

2.30 - 3.15:      Feminist Activism in the Present: Recent Developments
                             Alison Spillane, Irish Feminist Network
                             Dr. Jennifer DeWan, Cork Feminista
                             Emma Brannlund, NUIG Feminist Society
                             Chair: Ailbhe Smyth, Feminist Open Forum
3.15 - 3.45:       Q&A

3.45 - 4.30:      Feminist Activism in the Future: Thematic Groups
                              Feminism in the University
                              Feminism and Reproductive Rights        
                              Feminism and Migrant Women’s Rights
                              Feminism and Young People
                              Feminism and Gendered Economic Inequality

4.30 - 5:             Facilitated Discussion on Thematic Groups & Close


We hope to see you there!

We have managed to secure limited childcare facilities for this event, and places are reserved specifically for lone parents. They will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Please note that we will not be able to accommodate infants.  Information on the facilities here. ***Childcare cancelled due to lack of demand***

For any other special requirements, please let us know and we will try to accommodate you as best possible.

Tickets for this event available from here: http://entertainment.ticketsolve.com/shows/126524819/events

Further information on how to get there:

Luas
The Centre is located only 5 minutes away from the Luas Spencer Dock Station. Further details available from here: 
www.luas.ie 

Bus
The Centre is serviced by the 151 Bus, which leaves from Eden Quay. Further details from here:
http://www.dublinbus.ie/PageFiles/8237/151_(2)_From_Eden_Quay_Towards_Docklands(East_Rd).pdf

Meeting Point
One of our co-ordinators, Emma, will be meeting folks at 9.30am at the Spire on O'Connell Street to get the Luas to the Centre. Please join her if you feel unsure of where you're going.

Car:
The Centre has a car park, and there is also ample on-street parking in the area that people can avail of. To figure out the route from wherever you are, check out google maps and click 'get directions':http://g.co/maps/6mwvc

Any questions? Contact us on irishfeministnetwork@gmail.com